The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, has appealed to Nigerians to be patient and give time to the All Progressive Congress (APC)-led government to deliver on its promises of change.
Dogara stated this at the thanksgiving service of Hon. Austine Chukwukere, member representing Ideato North/Ideato South Federal Constituency of Imo State, held at St. Luke’s Anglican Church Obodoukwu Ideato North Local Government Area of Imo State on Saturday, according to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Mr. Turaki Hassan.
As stated by the Speaker, in recent times, some Nigerians are becoming worried about the speed at which the APC government of President Muhammadu Buhari is moving but argued that there was the need for Nigerians to be more patient with the government.
He stated the APC government was laying a solid foundation that would last for generations which require time, diligence and patience on the part of the people.
“I have interacted with leaders under the APC at all levels and I have no doubt in my mind as to their commitment to delivering the promised change and transform this country to greatness.
“I will urge Nigerians not to despair but to be patient with us, be patient with the APC as we are committed to the change agenda we promised the people.
“From the president down to leaders at all levels, everybody is talking about the people and the people and not our personal interest. You can see the sincerity and the commitment of our leaders,” Dogara stated.
However, Dogara acknowledged the need for the government to hit the ground running but explained that President Muhammadu Buhari is taking his time to lay a solid foundation that will endure.
“Although there is need for haste but it has be slowly, I have no doubt about our commitment to transforming this nation.
“The only thing that has killed leadership in Nigeria in the past is that we had people who were unable to envision how their states and the nation will be in the next 5,10 years and even more,” Dogara stated.
He commended the Imo State governor, Rochas Okorocha for his administration’s investment in education.
He said: “Your investment in education is highly commendable. If not for education we can’t be here as leaders today. Some of the investments are not tangible so people will not see them now but wealth of nations has moved from those beneath the soil to that those you have in your head.”
Also speaking, the Imo State governor, Okorocha, stated time of politics is over and now governance must take the centre stage.
He commended the Speaker for uniting the House of Representatives as according to him, Nigerians are always worried when they hear of disagreements and bickering amongst lawmakers.
The Speaker was accompanied to Imo State by House Leader, Femi Gbajabiamila; Deputy Minority Leader, Chukwuma Onyema; and others Honourables including Herman Hembe, Umar Bago, Babangida Ibrahim, Abubakar Kanike, Davematics Ombugado, Chike Okafor and Chuwuemeka Ujam.