TheCable

John Oyegun, national chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), says the government is not “shutting its eyes to the pains of the Nigerian people because it is real”.

Speaking in Abuja after receiving an achievement award from the Old Boys Association of Saint Patrick’s College (SPC), Asaba, Oyegun appealed to Nigerians to exercise patience.

He said efforts were being made “to pull the country out of the present hardship”.

Oyegun expressed delight with the signing of the 2016 appropriation bill into law, commending the idea of allocating about 30 per cent to capital projects.

He said priority will be given to the execution of critical infrastructural projects like the national railway network, adding that the government will embark on initiatives aimed at diversifying and boosting the economy.

“We are not shutting our eyes to the pains of the Nigerian people because it is real. It is genuine. We can only plead for patience. Thank God the APC government has its very first national budget and the implementation of that budget will be passionately pursued.” he said.

“In the coming months, the safety net created by the administration to cater for the poorest and vulnerable Nigerians and other economic initiatives aimed at diversifying and boosting the economy will be implemented. The result at the end of the day is going to be a more vibrant nation which every Nigerian will be proud of.

“As at today, the economy is in the process of being reflated; meaning that money is being put into the system. Contractors are being mobilised to go back to work. New contracts will be awarded. The railway will be one of the very first priorities. We will for the first time go from Kano to Lagos through Benin City all the way to Calabar by rail.”

He said the administration was in the process of building a solid foundation for the country.