Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Yakubu Dogara, on Friday appealed to Nigerians to be patient with the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari if they felt that the change promised by the government was not coming as fast as they wanted.

He gave an assurance to the people that with patience, the country would overcome its challenges and Buhari would deliver on his promises.

Dogara spoke during a Christmas service at the Church of Christ in Nations, Gwarangah, Bogoro Local Government Area of Bauchi State.

A statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Mr. Turaki Hassan, quoted the speaker as saying, “Many people have been asking, where is the change?

“What is the future of this country?”

Dogara told the congregation that Nigeria was like any other nation facing challenges, adding that, “Europe is struggling with refugees; Arab countries are in turmoil, while some countries are even failed states.”

Arguing further in favour of Buhari, Dogara said, “Before this government took over, workers in many states were not paid salaries for months; our economy was badly damaged, there was massive looting.

“Now we have a leadership that has emerged with a will to take on the challenges. Of course, it will take time. The President was humble enough to apologise to Nigerians for the hardship over fuel scarcity.”

In Abuja, some of Dogara’s colleagues in the House sent him best wishes ahead of his 48th birthday coming up this Saturday (today).

A message of felicitation signed on their behalf by the Leader of the House, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila, noted that in the last few months that he assumed duties as the speaker, the House had demonstrated the will to perform its core duties as a legislature. The officers assured Dogara of their support, saying that working together; they would ensure that the country enjoyed peace.

The statement read in part, “The success story recorded in the last few months is a testimony to our collective drive to provide good legislation and engage in oversight functions that would breathe more life into the Change agenda of the Federal Government.

“As you prepare to provide leadership in 2016, we pledge to continue to do what would bring peace and development to our country.”