The Federal Government has reassured Nigerians that it is on the right path to economic prosperity.
It acknowledged the hardship but reassured citizens that it would be over soon.
Vice President Kashim Shettima; Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) George Akume and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike gave the ray of hope at different fora in Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt at the weekend.
Shettima, at The Sun Newspapers Awards in Lagos on Saturday night, said a brighter future lay ahead for Nigerians through the economic reform policies.
He added that this will be made possible with shared commitment, mutual respect and open dialogue.
The vice president was represented by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications (Office of the Vice President), Stanley Nkwocha.
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He said in a paper titled “Celebrating Excellence, Building Together: Our Commitment To Press Freedom And Media Development In Nigeria,” that the reforms, including his economic policies and investment in infrastructure, were already showing signs of positive results.
“The government is commencing the implementation of the Pulaku Initiative, a large-scale resettlement programme aimed at addressing the root causes of farmers-herders conflicts.
“The initiative will revitalise the affected communities through the construction of residences, roads, schools, and essential facilities.
“I inaugurated a steering committee to coordinate the implementation of the initiative in fulfilment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s promise to improve the lives of all Nigerians,” he said.
Shettima also emphasised the crucial role the media must play in achieving this goal, calling for collaboration and a shared commitment to national progress.
He added that the media must not fail to play their roles as “watchdogs, truth-seekers, and the voices that inform and empower our citizens.”
He further noted President Tinubu’s commitment to a vibrant press, recognising that “a free and independent media is essential for a healthy democracy.”
While advocating press freedom, Shettima urged the media to uphold ethical standards, fact-check information, and avoid sensationalism.
Akume, who chaired The Sun Awards, said while nation-building is a collective endeavour, the citizens must support the government in its efforts to build a truly great country
The SGF said: “The Tinubu Administration shall remain steadfast in its commitment to building a brighter future for all Nigerians, under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“While progress may seem slow at times, the vision for a better tomorrow remains resolute. We shall soon navigate successfully the current economic challenges.”
Yesterday, at the opening session of the 2024 First Plenary Assembly of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) in Abuja, where he represented President Tinubu, Akume said the country was looking up to the bishops to continue to encourage Nigerians as the government works assiduously to reposition the economy and end insecurity.
He said: “The season of Lent is an apt time to host this critical meeting as it is a period of profound reflection, prayer, fasting, and charitable giving which coincides with a challenging period of economic hardship in our nation which we are working to reverse.
“While bold economic reforms have been undertaken by this administration, resulting in short-term hardship, they are borne out of a deep-seated commitment to Nigeria’s long-term prosperity and stability.
“This administration inherited a daunting economic landscape, necessitating decisive action to alter our nation’s downward trajectory.
“With unwavering dedication, we are striving towards a prosperous, healthy, and globally competitive Nigeria.
“Given the critical situation, now more than ever before, we must remain steadfast, renewing our faith in God’s provision and protection.
“Amidst adversity, we must remain resolute, renewing our faith in God’s providence and walking in love as we support one another.
“This administration is steadfast in its resolve to enhance security, bolster the economy, and create opportunities for all Nigerians.
“We acknowledge the various hardships affecting nations across the world precipitated and exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, including the escalating cost of living.
“However, we draw strength from our collective hope and diligent efforts of the government, private sector, religious organisations and others, trusting that through God’s grace, better days lie ahead
“As spiritual leaders, My Lord Bishops, we rely on your unwavering encouragement to the Nigerian populace.
“Your commitment to upholding integrity, offering sound counsel, and fostering constructive dialogue is deeply appreciated by the government.
“The church’s engagement with Nigerians on matters of faith enriches our responsiveness and strengthens our national fabric.
“Both church and government are aligned in our shared commitment to a brighter future for all Nigerians. Through strategic policies, well-thought-out initiatives and investments.
“Our administration aims to drive economic transformation, ensure security, enhance food production, harness natural resources, develop critical infrastructure, improve social services, foster economic diversification, and enhance governance efficiency.
“These efforts are geared towards building a prosperous, secure and inclusive Nigeria for all.
“Although the economic hardship and security challenges may seem daunting, let us continue to encourage one another in the Lord and pray without ceasing.
“Likewise, let us remember Galatians 6:9 which reminds us ‘not to become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.’”
‘Reforms only way to economic recovery’
In Rivers, Akpabio and Wike insisted that Tinubu’s economic policies were the only way to build a prosperous national economy.
They argued that the policies to turn around and address years of rot in the economic landscape were not miracles that could manifest in six months.
Akpabio and Wike spoke during a thanksgiving service by Senator Barry Mpigi to appreciate God for his electoral victory on February 25 last year in Koroma Tai Local Government Area.
Wike said though people complained that the reforms had put them in harsh economic positions, they remained the only way to take the country to its destination.
Wike, who spoke before the Senate President, chided some governors for blaming the hardship in the country on Tinubu.
He recalled that the same governors had praised the President for not interfering with the processes that resulted in their Supreme Court victories.
The minister, who is the immediate past governor of Rivers State, said President Tinubu needed the support of all stakeholders in the efforts to address the “inherited crisis” in the country.
Wike said: “I believe that God in his infinite mercy will give us the strength to work and continue to support Mr President. The decision of Mr. President is hard but if we are patient at the end of the day, we will get to where we want to go.
“It is funny that some people want him to bring a policy to change something that had spoilt many years ago within six months. Even if it is a miracle, it is difficult. What is required is to give him support.
“I seriously believe in the Renewed Hope Agenda. We are going to do everything to continue to support Mr. President.
“I watched after the Supreme Court verdicts; everybody that came out would say ‘I thank Mr President for not interfering’. But immediately that expired people are saying a different thing.
“I watched every governor after they thanked God, the next person was Mr. President. But just after two weeks, everything evaporated. Now it is Mr . ‘President we are dying.’”
He appealed to Nigerians not to lose hope.
Wike said: “Nigerians should not lose hope. Look at what we are doing in Abuja. It means that Mr President will do better. It is a sign of good things to come.
“People are saying Wike is doing well but it is because the President is in support of it. The President is committed to seeing that Nigerians have better lives.”
Wike also said that about 85 per cent of persons who secured victory in the past elections in Rivers State are still in his team.
He boasted that with such a force, he could no longer wait for the 2027 general election.
He added: “With the forces we have, I don’t know of anybody who will challenge us. It is like tomorrow is 2027. I cannot wait. The two leaders of the PDP (Peoples Democratic Party) and APC are here.
“It is only in Rivers that you can find this unity. People don’t like it. So they do everything possible to make sure we are divided. But since we know, we have refused to be divided.”
‘We don’t know what to charge Emefiele with’
Akpabio, in an analogy, compared the poor economic condition Tinubu inherited to a bucket filled with foams while the under has a small quantity of water.
He said: “God has been able to merge us politically. What we need now is economic rejuvenation and I believe strongly that through President Tinubu God will answer our prayer.
“Nigeria was like a foam inside a pail or bucket containing a small quantity of water. As the foam filled the pail, you would think it had no water. By the time you push the foam down, your hands will only touch water.
“The kind of economic mess we were in a lot of people do not understand. The economic situation was tricky.
“We don’t even know what to charge the former Central Bank Governor (Godwin Emefiele) with. We don’t know whether to charge him for putting foam on top of a pail or to charge him for printing notes without income. I don’t know what we will charge him with.
“What we know is that we are here today because of the actions and policies that they took and we recognise that but we are now battling to ensure that Nigerians can sleep with their eyes closed and have three square meals on their tables.”
Like Wike, the Senate President insisted that Tinubu’s policies were designed to gradually give the country a clear economic footprint.
He argued that such could not be achieved overnight
“Nigerians should rest assured that we campaigned for these jobs and we will not let them down. All we need is patience. The rot that has happened in Nigeria for many years cannot be solved within months, “ Akpabio added.
The Senate President used the opportunity to appeal to Wike to look towards Ogoni land for someone that would match his achievements as Rivers State governor.
In a parliamentary style, he put a question to the gathering on where the next governor of the state would come from in 2027 to which those in attendance chorused Ogoniland.
Akpabio immediately announced that “the ayes have it,” and then turned to Wike, saying: “Barry Mpigi is thanking God for the future of Ogoniland.
“One of the hallmarks of leadership is loyalty. You cannot be a good leader unless you are a good follower. Wike followed all past leaders in Rivers.”
Still facing Wike, the Senate President made a veiled reference to former Transport Minister Rotimi Amaechi, whom he said never contested an election but became a governor.
He said: “I know you (Wike) followed Dr. Peter Odili very well. There was a time my former good friend was in Ghana and you were running around here with lawyers.
“You were the first to have the pronouncement of the Supreme Court making someone a governor without the person going for an election.
“On getting there he turned around and asked: ‘Why will this man (Wike) be this powerful?’ He had to fight you.
“We were not surprised when in 2023 you said agreement is agreement. If you don’t want to adhere to an agreement on election day, come and win in Rivers State.”
Akpabio also thanked the minister for backing Tinubu, saying: “It is your support that had enabled the Southsouth to produce the first Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.”
The Senate President called for a minute of silence in honour of Access Holding Plc boss, Herbert Wigwe, his wife, Doreen Chizoba, his son Chizzy and others who died in a helicopter crash in the United States.
