Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Lasun Yussuff’s 2016: New Year Message

I rejoice with all Nigerians, home and abroad in this festive season of yuletide and New Year celebrations. This time of the year is naturally typified with merriments but it should not obfuscate the need for profound stock taking and introspection.

This depth of introspection should be driven by the need to use the known past as the mirror for the unknown future. The stock taking should not be limited to individuals but us as a nation and political position holders from whom much is expected at a time like this. Our achievements and failings (if any) in the outgoing year, should help us to articulate our hopes and aspirations for the coming year.

For us all in Nigeria, the year 2015 is undoubtedly one with many positive developments. We certainly have a lot to thank Almighty Allah for in the past year, despite the tragic events in recent months that gave us cause to mourn and grieve as a nation.

With the continued support and determination of our compatriots to stay the course, the current leadership, and emphatically agents of change and the progressives have made commendable progress at laying laudable foundation for reforms that will drive solid grounds for national growth and prosperity.

In the course of the year, our nation achieved a historic change of government by common will anchored on change bringing on board a government that seamlessly defeated incumbent President by the choice of the majority, putting to an end dashed hopes.

I implore fellow compatriots to give the new administration the required support and cooperation in the coming year as we strive to consolidate on the gains of 2015 to enable us tackle fresh challenges in our beloved nation's march towards rejuvenation, reconstruction and renaissance.

Looking inward, I must extend my sincere gratitude to all my Honourable colleagues who elected us as leaders of the 8th Assembly House of Representatives. We remain committed to keep working together in the ultimate service of Nigerians who gave us the opportunity to represent them at the parliament.

As we move forward into the New Year, let us collectively rededicate ourselves to the total implementation of genuine paradigm shift which we have embarked upon for the benefit of all our people.

We cannot afford to let our vision and faith crumble under the seeming huge weight of our present realities.

Thank you all for your unflinching support and understanding.

I wish all Nigerians a happy new year 2016 and pray that Almighty Allah will bless Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Rt. Hon. Sulaimon LASUN YUSSUFF
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives.