…Lauds Fintiri’s performance
By Billy Graham Abel Yola
Chairman of the Conference of Former Speakers of State Houses of Assembly of Nigeria (COFSSHA), Simon Bako Lalong, has called on Nigerians to exercise patience with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda saying it is a policy that was designed to salvage Nigeria and it would require time to mature.
Lalong, who is a former governor of Plateau State and now a senator, said policies like the removal of fuel subsidy have come with direct impact on the lives of millions of Nigerians, but with time Nigerians will reap the desired benefits.
Senator Lalong made this known while addressing the conference over the weekend in Yola, Adamawa state.
Speaking on behalf of the conference, he said as leaders, they would continue to support government at this trying time to implement people-friendly policies.
His words: “Permit me to use this opportunity to call on all of us and indeed Nigerians to join hands and support our President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu who has continued to pursue the path of renewing the hope of the nation through policies and programmes that have been rolled out.
“No doubt, some of them like the removal of petrol subsidy have impacted on the lives of the people. However, we need to give these policies some time to mature so that we can benefit from the gains they bring.
“We as leaders should play our part in appealing to the people to support the government in these challenging times.”
Lalong explained that the group has a unique opportunity to impact on national issues.
He spoke further: “Being our first meeting after the 2023 general elections, a lot has happened to our members who have either been elected or appointed.
“You will agree with me that in spite of the fact that we come from different political parties and even varying ideologies, we must be able to unite and stand for issues that will encourage national cohesion, peace, prosperity and good governance.
“Each time we meet, the opportunity is presented for us to take stock of our individual and collective achievements, reflect on our challenges as well as review our contributions to the growth of democracy in Nigeria.
“This is because the good names and legacies we leave behind will continue to speak for us many years after we leave office.”
Recounting the success of the group and the impact it has on national issues he said: “Today, we have three of our members as governors, namely, Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta and Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State. In addition, we have many senators and members of the House of Representatives as well as ministers and others heading various agencies across the country.
“As our number keeps increasing by the day, we have to take very seriously the role that we have to play in engendering good governance, democratic development and service to the people.
“Since our arrival in Yola, we have seen the great achievements of our colleague Governor Fintiri who has touched all sectors of the state with projects and programmes that are visible which the people are enjoying.
“Adamawa State is today witnessing relative peace and security due to the proactive and consistent efforts of Governor Fintiri. His deliberate actions such as inclusive governance and strategic support to security agencies have made the State hot for criminals and crises merchants.”
While welcoming members of the conference to Yola, the Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, said the organisation has grown to become the largest and most influential political family in Nigeria and that considering its size, geographical spread, non-partisanship and plurality of ideology, the Speakers Conference has continued to play a significant role in shaping and deepening democracy and good governance in Nigeria.