Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Customs and Excise, Hon. Leke Abejide on Monday averred that Nigeria is on its path of sustainable development, economic growth, and improved quality of life for all citizens.
Hon. Abejide who stated this during a media chat with Parliamentary Correspondents in Abuja, urged Nigerians to demand accountability from their respective State and Local Governments for the resources received from the federal purse.
He argued that: “One of the most significant achievements of President Tinubu’s administration is the recent Supreme Court ruling that secured financial autonomy for Local Governments. This landmark decision empowers local councils, ensuring that resources are allocated directly to them without interference. This autonomy is crucial for fostering development at the grassroots level and ensuring that the common man feels the impact of good governance.
“You will do yourself and the Country a lot of good as investigative journalists by beaming your light on the sub-national level of governance such as State Government and Local Governments to know exactly what goes into your own local governments from FAAC and how it is being spent. Focusing on the Federal Government alone is not the solution.”
The lawmaker, a member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) who acknowledged that Nigerians are facing hard times, said: “I said it in my statement that yes I’m not unaware of this. So, I’m aware that you see the foundation is weak.
“This man met a weak foundation and you know because it’s the same party, he cannot cry out so much. Just give him time. See, me I will join you in criticizing the President if after this season we cannot get food in this country.
“I will join you and I’m telling you, in the next three months, farmers will complain that they have crashed the price of foods, I know they will do that, just go and write this down that I said this and that is what is going to happen.”
While noting that the present administration has initiated impactful policies and programmes since May 29, 2023, Hon. Abejide 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 revolutionize 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.
“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.”
Hon. Abejide said since assuming office on May 29, 2023, President Tinubu has embarked on a transformative journey aimed at revitalizing Nigeria.
He argued that President Tinubu’s administration has prioritized national security, economic stability, agriculture, infrastructure development, and many more, encapsulated 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.
Reeling out the achievements of the administration, he acknowledged “that the road ahead is long, and many challenges remain.”
He said the full impact of these reforms will take time to reach every Nigerian household.
“However, the foundation for sustainable growth and development is being laid, brick by brick, policy by policy.
“In light of these developments, I urge all Nigerians not just to support President Tinubu’s administration passively, but to actively engage in the process of national rebuilding,” he said.
He said Nigerians can contribute by participating in local government initiatives that are now empowered by financial autonomy; engaging with their representatives to provide feedback on the implementation of these policies in their communities, as well as take advantage of government programmes such as the agricultural initiatives and empowerment schemes.
Hon. Abejide also urged Nigerians to stay informed about government policies and contribute to constructive dialogue on their implementation, report any instances of corruption or mismanagement that may hinder the success of these initiatives.
“Let us channel our energies into these constructive actions rather than protests that may derail our progress. By working together, we can ensure that the positive changes initiated by this administration are felt by all Nigerians, from the bustling streets of Lagos to the remote villages of Borno.
“The path to national prosperity is not without its bumps and turns, but with patience, perseverance, and collective effort, we can navigate these challenges. The achievements of the past 14 months are just the beginning. Let us stand united with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration in our pursuit of a stronger, more prosperous Nigeria,” he said.
