20th February, 2024
Deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu has appealed to Nigerians not to despair in the face of current economic hardship across the country, but to be resilient and determined to overcome the challenges.
Speaking at the resumption of plenary, Kalu said while sacrifice is a necessary step towards long-term stability and prosperity in the country, Nigerians must trust in the expertise of those tasked with guiding the economy, even as we hold them accountable for their actions.
He said true progress cannot be achieved solely through policy pronouncements but requires the collective effort of every Nigerian.
He said: “As we commence proceedings today, we are all aware of the challenges we face as a nation. The storm clouds of inflation gather the cries of economic hardship echo, and whispers of doubt threaten to dim the flames of our collective spirit.
“But let me assure you, the Nigerian spirit does not cower in the face of adversity. We are a nation forged in resilience, a people united by dogged determination. The challenges we confront may seem insurmountable.
“Yet, amidst these trials, amidst the anxieties and frustrations, I ask you, my colleagues, to remember the words of a great leader facing a seemingly insurmountable foe: “We have before us an ordeal of the most grievous kind. We have before us many, many long months of struggle and suffering. But I say to you, my friends: fear not.
“Just as Winston Churchill rallied his nation in their darkest hour, so too must we rise to the occasion. This is not the time for division, for despair, for pointing fingers. This is the time for unity, for strength, for a staunch belief in ourselves and the future of our beloved Nigeria.
“Do the challenges seem immense? Yes, they do. But are they insurmountable? Absolutely not! We have the tools, the talent, and the tenacity to overcome.
“The macroeconomic management approach laid out by the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration, while demanding sacrifice, is a necessary step towards long-term stability and prosperity. Let us trust in the expertise of those tasked with guiding our economic course, even as we hold them accountable for their actions.
“Let us rise above petty squabbles and unite in a common purpose. Let us channel our frustrations into constructive criticism, into holding ourselves and our leaders accountable, but always with the betterment of our nation as the guiding star.
“Let us focus on the broader canvas, on the multitude of measures being taken to address the root causes of inflation, streamlining foreign exchange flows, tackling food shortages, and investing in critical infrastructure. These, coupled with our collective spirit of enterprise and perseverance, hold the key to unlocking price stability and economic growth.
He added: “Let us not be swayed by the winds of pessimism. Let us not be cowed by the naysayers. Let us remember the words of Chinua Achebe in 1967: “Being a Nigerian is abysmally frustrating and unbelievably exciting.
“But let us not forget the “unbelievably exciting” part of Achebe’s description. This excitement is not a frivolous notion, but the drumming energy of a nation teeming with potential. Look around you, colleagues.
“See the young entrepreneurs defying the odds, the farmers growing green life from arid soil, the artists painting vibrant futures, and the innovators dreaming of solutions. This is the true face of Nigeria, a kaleidoscope of talent, resilience, and audacity. We are a nation on the cusp of greatness, a land pregnant with possibility.
“We are Nigerians, and within us lies the power to overcome any obstacle. Let us rise to the challenge, hand in hand, heart to heart, and together build a brighter, more prosperous future for ourselves and for generations to come. Go forth, colleagues, with renewed hope, with relentless resolve, and with the unshakeable belief that, united, we can and will prevail!
“Remember, the Nigerian spirit thrives not in comfort, but in the crucible of challenge. Let us rise to the occasion, and show the world the true meaning of resilience, of unity, and of unwavering hope.”