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By Tracy Moses
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has defended the reform policies of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, insisting that no nation can achieve sustainable growth by shying away from difficult but necessary decisions.
Speaking at the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Convention held in Abuja on Friday night, the Speaker said Nigeria is at a critical point where tough choices must be embraced to secure long-term stability and development.
“No nation moves forward by avoiding its challenges. No economy grows by ignoring its weaknesses. No leadership succeeds by choosing comfort over correction,” Abbas declared.
He noted that upon assumption of office, the current administration inherited an economy burdened by “unsustainable commitments” and systemic inefficiencies, which required bold and decisive reforms.
“The choice before us was clear: continue with what was convenient, or confront what was necessary. We chose what was necessary. We chose reform over comfort, responsibility over applause, and the future over the present moment,” he said.
The Speaker acknowledged that the reforms have attracted criticism, particularly over rising costs and economic adjustments, but maintained that the steps taken were inevitable.
“Yes, the critics have spoken. They point to rising costs and economic adjustments. They question the path. But I ask: what was the alternative? To continue a system that drained our resources? To postpone the inevitable? To pass the burden to the next generation?” he queried.
According to him, the ongoing reforms are already yielding results, citing improved revenues to states, increased transparency, and progress in infrastructure and security coordination.
“These are not isolated steps. They are part of a clear direction. Reform is not a sprint; reform is a journey, and that journey requires commitment and continuity,” Abbas added.
The Speaker stressed the need for policy continuity beyond 2027, arguing that the current administration must be given the opportunity to complete the reforms it has initiated.
“This is why I say that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu must continue this work beyond 2027—not for sentiment, not for convenience, but because the work has begun and must be completed,” he stated.
Abbas also drew attention to the need for stability within the legislature, warning that the high turnover of lawmakers has negatively impacted governance and weakened institutional memory.
“The high turnover of Senators and Members over the years has come at a cost to governance, to lawmaking, and to public resources spent on constant training and retraining. Experience is lost. Institutional memory is weakened. Momentum is broken,” he said.
He urged deliberate efforts to support the return of “committed and performing legislators,” noting that continuity in both the executive and legislative arms is essential to sustaining reforms.
“We cannot continue to start every cycle afresh and expect consistent progress. The legislature is not separate from this journey; it is a partner in it,” Abbas emphasised.
On party cohesion, the Speaker called for unity within the APC, warning against internal divisions that could undermine its strength.
“This is not the time for division. This is the time for unity. This is the time for action. Where we stand, we must stand together,” he said.
Highlighting the strategic importance of the North-West, Abbas described the region as a stronghold of the ruling party and assured of its continued support.
“The North-West stands today as a clear example of our strength… Let me assure you, the North-West will not falter. We will organise, we will mobilise, and we will deliver the block votes,” he stated.
He further charged party leaders to manage the growing size and diversity of the APC with discipline and foresight.
“There are those who expect us to fracture. There are those who hope we will implode under the weight of our own size. That must not happen. It must be prevented through careful management, disciplined coordination, and constant engagement,” Abbas warned.
The Speaker also called on youths, women, and communities to actively participate in nation-building, stressing that inclusive governance remains key to achieving lasting progress.
“Our goal remains clear: to build a party that listens, a government that responds, and a country that works,” he said.
Abbas concluded by urging Nigerians to remain steadfast despite current challenges, noting that the sacrifices being made today would yield long-term benefits.
“The road ahead will demand discipline and sacrifice, but it will reward consistency, courage, and commitment. History remembers those who stood firm and built for the future. Let us be remembered as that generation,” he added.