Senate President Godswill Akpabio and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, have called on Nigerians to remain patient with the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, assuring that the ongoing reforms, though painful, will ultimately lead to national prosperity.
Their appeals were contained in a statement released on Sunday by Anietie Ekong, Special Assistant on Media and Communication to the Senate President.
Since the removal of fuel subsidy on May 29, 2023, petrol prices have more than tripled, food inflation has climbed above 35 percent, and the naira has faced continued volatility against the U.S. dollar. These developments have fueled public concerns about rising poverty levels and the cost of living crisis.
Speaking at the Second Plenary Meeting of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, Akpabio compared the process of national rebuilding to constructing a cathedral, which he said requires time, sacrifice, and resilience.
“I urge my compatriots to be patient with your government as we lay the foundations of this house again. Do not despair when the winds blow strongly or the scaffolding shakes.
A nation is like a mighty cathedral—it is not raised overnight, but stone by stone, prayer by prayer, hand by hand,” he said.
The Senate President encouraged Nigerians to hold on to hope and unity, stressing that the task of transformation is not for government alone, but for every segment of society—Church and State, faith and policy, people and leadership.
On his part, SGF Akume, who represented President Tinubu at the event, reiterated that the government is committed to stabilising the economy, attracting investments, and cushioning the impact of reforms.
“This administration came into office with a firm commitment to renew hope, strengthen democratic institutions, and build a Nigeria that works for all.
We have taken bold steps to stabilise the economy, attract investment, and implement reforms that will bring enduring benefits to our country,” he stated.
He also appealed for continued support from the Church, pledging that the administration’s social investment programmes will ensure that no Nigerian is left behind.
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, who also addressed the gathering, commended the Catholic Church for its global role in promoting justice and democracy. He highlighted his government’s poverty alleviation and welfare initiatives targeted at the poor and vulnerable in the state.
The plenary, attended by the Apostolic Nuncio and Papal Representative, Most Rev. Michael Francis Crotty, Catholic bishops from across Nigeria, federal lawmakers, state leaders, and hundreds of worshippers, provided a platform for political leaders to engage faith communities in supporting Nigeria’s most challenging economic transition in decades.
