BY Kingsley Chukwuka
The Senator representing Plateau South in the National Assembly, Barr. Simon Lalong, has stated that the greatest danger in any reform process is to begin a difficult journey and abandon it before its objectives are achieved.
Lalong made the disclosure while speaking at the national summit of Former Presiding Officers of State Houses of Assembly in Nigeria (FOPSHAN), Plateau State chapter, held at the Crispan Suite in Jos, the Plateau State capital.
Speaking on the theme “Bold Leadership, Bold Reforms: From Subsidy To Renewed Hope – Assessing The Economic Trajectory and Visionary Leadership of President Bola Tinubu’s administration,” Lalong said many of Nigeria’s challenges have persisted because difficult decisions were postponed or previous reforms were not fully implemented.
“Today we have a leader in President Bola Tinubu who is bold enough to take decisions that are painful but needful and can bring eventual success and relief to Nigerians.”
“The task before the nation is therefore to consolidate the progress made, correct areas where implementation requires improvement and ensure the reform produces measurable benefits for the country.”
He insisted that as political leaders, legislators, former presiding officers and citizens, “let us have a responsibility to support the president and make sure that the people give him the votes to return to complete the good job he has started.”
FOPSHAN also used the occasion to endorse President Bola Tinubu and Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State for their second terms in office in 2027 for the ongoing human-faced reforms in the state and the country at large.
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Also speaking, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard Doro, charged FOPSHAN members to support policies that advance the common good while offering constructive ideas that can improve governance and the implementation of the reforms.
“Nigeria’s progress should remain above narrow political interests. The task of building a peaceful, prosperous and united nation requires continuity, cooperation and a shared commitment to the national interest.”
Meanwhile, the chairman of the occasion, Hon. Lumumba Adeh, in his opening remarks said the gathering brings together individuals who understand the enormous responsibility of leadership and the central role legislature plays in building strong democratic institutions.
“As former presiding officers, we know that leadership sometimes requires taking difficult decisions in the interest of the citizens.