By Gloria Ikibah
The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Customs and Excise, Rep. Leke Abejide, has dissociated himself from the national chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Ralph Nwosu, who is supporting the planned nationwide protests.
The lawmaker who stated this at a press briefing in Abuja on Monday urged Nigerians to be patience, especially the youths to shun the planned protests across the country.
Rep. Abejide explained that Nigeria is on its path towards sustainable development, economic growth, and improved quality of life for all citizens.
He said: “Imagine a Nigeria where a brilliant student from a humble background in Sokoto can access higher education through the newly enacted Student Loans Act.
“Picture commuters seamlessly traveling from Port Harcourt to Aba on a modern rail line, while plans for the ambitious Lagos-Calabar Super Highway promise to revolutionise transportation across our nation.
“Envision local governments, newly empowered by financial autonomy, directly addressing the needs of their communities without interference.
“Now, add to this the game-changing liberalization of the power sector through the 2023 Electricity Bill, paving the way for decentralized electricity generation, transmission, and distribution across the country”.
According to the lawmaker, “These are not distant dreams, but tangible realities and ongoing projects under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. If such transformative changes can be achieved in just over one year in office, then it is clear that Nigeria is on its path towards sustainable development, economic growth, and improved quality of life for all citizens.
“I stand before you today to address the recent comments made by Chief Ralph Nwosu, the National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), regarding the planned protests against the government.
“While I understand the concerns that have led to this call for protest, and indeed share some of these sentiments, I must firmly oppose such action at this critical juncture in our nation’s journey”.
“We cannot deny that our country faces significant challenges. The cost of living has risen, and many Nigerians are struggling to make ends meet. These are real issues that require our collective attention and effort.
“However, it is precisely because of these challenges that we must rally behind an administration that has shown remarkable courage and vision in tackling our long-standing problems head-on.
“Nigerians must know, and especially the youths, that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Transformative Strides are for the betterment of our collective future.
“He is carefully sowing seeds which will germinate and yield in both the short term and the long term, just as we have annual crops and perennial crops, thus requiring calculative patience”, Abejide acknowledged.
According to the lawmaker, since assumption of office on May 29, 2023, President Tinubu has embarked on a transformative journey aimed at revitalising Nigeria.
He noted that President Tinubu’s administration has prioritized national security, economic stability, agriculture, infrastructure development, and many more, summarised in the 8-Point Renewed Hope Agenda.
“This agenda is not merely a political promise; it is a commitment to building a better Nigeria for all citizens,” Abejide said.
He further highlightlighted the achievements of the Tinubu administration, and urge all Nigerians not to just support President Tinubu’s administration passively, but to actively engage in the process of national rebuilding.