Nationwide Protest: Leke Abejide calls for Patience, Not Protest. 

Nationwide Protest: Leke Abejide calls for Patience, Not Protest.

Nationwide Protest: Leke Abejide calls for Patience, Not Protest.

The Chairman House committee chairman on Customs and Excise and Member representing Yagba East, Yagba West, and Mopamuro Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives and the only member of African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the National Assembly, Hon Leke Abejide has called for Patience, Not Protest, dissociating himself from the statement of the party’s National Chairman, Chief Ralph Nwosu.

Abejide, a second term member of the National Assembly, dissociated himself from the Chairman’s statement where he alleged that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is deploying public funds to stop the planned protest.

While addressing Journalists, in Abuja, on Monday, Abejide stated some of the transformative strides of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying that Nigeria does not need protest at this time but patience.

“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,” he said.

Abejide mentioned some of the achievements of the President, stating that governance is not magic but a strategic vision that must be executed step by step.

“Since assuming office on May 29, 2023, President Tinubu has embarked on a transformative journey aimed at revitalizing Nigeria. His 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.

“In the face of economic turmoil, President Tinubu made the courageous decision to remove the unsustainable fuel subsidy, redirecting funds to critical sectors such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure, and making more funds availability to the other two tiers of government. This strategic move has reduced petrol importation by 50% and boosted investor confidence, making the Nigerian Stock Exchange the top-performing bourse globally. The unification of the foreign exchange market has further stabilized our economy, creating a conducive environment for growth.

“Furthermore, the administration has strengthened National security, granted local government autonomy, food security, infrastructural development, social investment, education and empowerment youths and women and more of the achievements which demonstrate President Tinubu’s commitment to comprehensive national development and economic growth.”

Abejide urged Nigerians especially the youths not just to support President Tinubu’s administration passively, but to actively engage in the process of national rebuilding.

“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 fourteen months are just the beginning.

The renewed hope infrastructure fund aims to bridge Nigeria’s significant funding gap in infrastructure, focusing on road, rail, and aviation project”, he said.