New Year: Don’t despair, God is still in charge – Speaker Dogara tells Nigerians

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, has
urged Nigerians not to despair, but look to the future with
optimism and absolute faith in the Almighty God as the country
moves into 2019.

In a new year message, Speaker Dogara acknowledged that 2018 was
characterised by unprecedented spate of needless killings, decline
in the nation’s economy, unemployment, general insecurity and other
acts of lawlessness due to poor governance but is persuaded that
2019 offers Nigerians a unique opportunity to renew their faith and
hope in God and the country, as well as take full control of their
destiny.

Noting the importance of the next few weeks preceding the
general elections, Hon Dogara challenged Nigerians to be patriotic
and committed to their civic responsibility by turning out enmasse
to elect leaders that will be sensitive to their yearnings and
aspirations, provide the requisite security for their lives and
properties.

The speaker said, “The year 2019 presents a unique opportunity
for us to take full control of our nation and our destiny. It is
also time for us to take responsibility for our own lives, rekindle
the spirit of community and strive towards making Nigeria work
again in all its ramifications.

“A democratic government should always depend on its citizens to
whom power belongs as the reverse will only amount to slavery.
Hence, we must continue to demonstrate patriotism, cooperation,
dedication and resilience in order to overcome our challenges and
triumph over the forces of retrogression.

” As the 2019 general elections draw close, I enjoin us all to
remain vigilant against anti democratic forces and remain committed
to enthroning a government that is sensitive to our yearnings and
aspirations.

“On our part as lawmakers, we shall continue to work as the
central institution of democracy through which the will of the
people is expressed, especially as the nation approaches very
trying times yet.

“On behalf of the leadership and the entire members of the House
of Representatives, I wish all Nigerians a happy and prosperous New
Year even as I pray that God Almighty will lift our nation to
greater heights in the New Year.”