By Ubong Ukpong, Abuja

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep Tajudeen Abbas on Thursday embarked on a campaign to pacify Nigerians over the present high cost of living and worsening insecurity in the country, begging citizens to bear with the President Bola Tinubu’s All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government.

Abbas claimed that the government was working towards improving the lives of citizens.

The Speaker, who made the appeal during a World Press Conference on the state of the nation, in Abuja, the nation’s capital, claimed that the government was concerned and felt the pains of Nigerians, and was also willing to make changes.

Meantime, President Bola Tinubu has directed the immediate release of over 100,000 metric tons of assorted food items from the strategic reserve and the Rice Millers Association of Nigeria as a short-term response to the rising food shortage in the country.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed this to journalists at the State House after a meeting of the Special Presidential Committee on Emergency Food Intervention on Thursday.

Idris also informed that the government had proposed to embark on import of whatever shortfalls may be experienced after the release of the food commodities.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives pointed out that investments in the face of global economic downturn and budgetary constraints attest to the government’s determination to end insecurity in Nigeria.

He stated, “In the face of such hardship, it is natural to feel a sense of despair and frustration. The impact of the challenges I have identified above is felt in every home, on every street, and in the hearts of every Nigerian.

“Yet, it is precisely in times like these that our true strength as a nation is revealed. Our resilience, unity, and indomitable spirit have seen us through difficult times before, and I have no doubt that these qualities will carry us through again.”

He said, “To those affected by the scourge of insecurity, I want you to know that your government hears you loud and clear.

“We are taking decisive steps to address the root causes of this menace, deploying both military and diplomatic resources to ensure the safety and security of all Nigerians.

“It is a complex challenge, one that requires patience and time to resolve, but I assure you that we are making progress.

“On the economic front, we are equally committed to reversing the downturn and setting our country back on a path of sustainable growth.

“The policies of the Tinubu-led government are designed to stimulate the economy, encourage investment, and create jobs.

“We understand the urgency of the situation and are working tirelessly to alleviate the hardships many of you are experiencing.

“The issue of food shortage is particularly close to my heart. Food security is fundamental to national security.

“We are implementing comprehensive strategies to boost agricultural production, improve supply chains, and ensure that affordable food is accessible to everyone, regardless of where they live.

“I ask for your patience as these measures take effect. Change, especially of the magnitude we are aiming for, does not happen overnight. It requires time, effort, and, most importantly, the support of every Nigerian.

“Each of us has a role to play in this journey towards a more secure, prosperous, and food-secure Nigeria.

“Whether you are a farmer, a business owner, a teacher, or a student, your contribution matters. Together, we can overcome these challenges and build a brighter future for our beloved country.

“As your Speaker, I am filled with renewed hope for what we can achieve together,” Abbas said.

He stressed that as representatives of the Nigerian people, the House cannot pay lip service to the plight of the same individuals who elected them into office to protect their interests.

“It is our resolve to see that Nigerians, wherever they are, live their normal lives in peace and relative ease.

“We are acutely aware of the rising security challenges affecting different parts of the country.

“Let it be known that your cries have not fallen on deaf ears, and your tears have not gone unseen. We stand in solidarity with every Nigerian affected and commit to deploying robust legislative measures to empower our security agencies, ensure justice, and restore peace and order in our communities.”

The Speaker said that the planned security summit by the House of Representatives would address critical issues on security.

“While recognising and commending the patriotic and courageous efforts of our security agencies, we must have the courage to effect changes where necessary.

“These are among the issues that the forthcoming Legislative Summit on Security will address. This summit, which comes up in a matter of weeks, will among others, allow us to hear directly from the key stakeholders in the sector and come up with legislative measures to modernise our security system and improve its operational efficiency and effectiveness,” he explained.

The Speaker said in addition to promoting security so that farmers can feel safe to return to their farms, the House will support import and export policies that stabilise food prices and ensure adequate supply of essential food items at affordable rates, especially for our constituents living in rural areas.