President of the Nigerian Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has called on Nigerians to be patient with the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, assuring citizens that the reforms being implemented will soon yield economic prosperity.
Akpabio made the appeal in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, while delivering his opening address as Chairman of the Second Plenary Meeting of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria.
He urged citizens not to lose hope in the face of current challenges but to look forward to a brighter future, stressing that transformation takes time and collective effort.
“Let me seize this opportunity to urge my compatriots to be patient with your government as we lay again the foundations of this house. Do not despair when the winds blow strongly or the scaffolding shakes. For a nation is like a mighty cathedral, it is not raised overnight, but stone by stone, prayer by prayer, hand by hand,” Akpabio said, quoting from Isaiah 40:31 to encourage resilience.
He called for renewed faith in Nigeria’s potential, urging unity between Church and State, pulpit and parliament, in shaping the nation’s progress.
Representing President Tinubu at the event, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, reaffirmed that the administration was committed to renewing hope, stabilising the economy, and delivering reforms that would create enduring benefits.
“This administration came into office with a firm commitment to renew hope, strengthen our 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 said.
He urged the Church to continue supporting government efforts, assuring that the Tinubu administration would ensure no Nigerian is left behind through social investment programmes.
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, also commended the Catholic Church for its global role in promoting justice, democracy, and people-centred governance. He highlighted state programmes designed to lift the poor and vulnerable out of poverty while calling for sustained partnership with the Church in delivering democratic dividends.
The plenary was attended by the Apostolic Nuncio and Papal Representative to Nigeria, Most Reverend Michael Francis Crotty, Catholic Bishops from across the country, members of the National Assembly, politicians, and Catholic faithful from all over Nigeria.