Akpabio Appeals for Patience as Tinubu’s Reforms Take Root

The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has called on Nigerians to exercise patience with President Bola Tinubu’s administration, assuring that the government’s ongoing reforms will soon translate into economic prosperity.

Akpabio made the appeal in his opening remarks as Chairman of the Second Plenary Meeting of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria held in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State.

In a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media/Communication, Anietie Ekong, Akpabio urged Nigerians not to lose hope despite current challenges, but to look forward with optimism.

According to him, “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 strong 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. They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles.” (Isaiah 40:31).

He further stressed the need for collective faith in Nigeria’s potential, saying: “Let us therefore renew hope in the Nigerian enterprise. Let us believe again that our land can be great, that our children can inherit a brighter future. Let us bind the wounds of division, banish despair, and walk together—Church and State, pulpit and parliament, faith and policy—towards the dawn. Transformation is not the burden of one arm of society, nor the privilege of a few. It is a covenant of partnership. As St. Paul declares: ‘We are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building.’”

Representing President Tinubu at the event, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, reiterated that the administration is committed to building a nation that works for all.

“This administration came into office with a firm commitment to renew hope, strengthen our democratic institutions and build a Nigeria that works for everyone. We have taken bold steps to stabilize the economy, attract investment and implement reforms that will yield lasting benefits for our country,” he said.

He urged the Church to continue supporting the government, assuring that no one would be left behind through the administration’s social investment programmes.

Also speaking, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, commended the Catholic Church for its global role in promoting justice, democracy and people-centered governance.

He highlighted his administration’s efforts in poverty reduction and improving the welfare of vulnerable citizens, listing various intervention programmes already initiated. He appealed for continued collaboration with the Church to deliver the dividends of democracy.

The conference was attended by the Apostolic Nuncio and Papal representative, Most Rev. Michael Francis Crotty, Catholic Bishops from across Nigeria, members of the National Assembly, politicians, Catholic faithful and worshippers from different parts of the country.