Okorocha to Nigerians: You can only judge us when our term expires in 2019

Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State, on Tuesday, told Nigerians not to be in a haste to judge the performance of elected public officials because they are just halfway into their tenure.
He said judgement time would come in 2019 when elected public officials would have spent four years in office.
Okorocha, the Chairman of Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), said at the opening of a retreat on policy synergy between states and the Federal Government in Birnin-Kebbi, Kebbi State: “We want to appeal to Nigerians not to judge us from past sins or within the two years we have been in the mantle of leadership of this great country. You should judge us when the mandate entrusted to us expires”.
The governor reminded Nigerians that those presently at the helm of affairs came on board when the country was at the brink of collapse due to security and economic challenges.
He assured that the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration would meet the expectations of all Nigerians.
“Our party has the best governors ever produced in the history of this country – from Sokoto, Adamawa, Kebbi, Lagos, Imo, Zamfara, Nasarawa, Kogi and others.
“When you visit those states, you will know that Nigerians have not made mistake electing us to lead their states affairs.
“We have resolved to fix the economy and it has already being fixed. We are working with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture to put resources together to stamp out hunger in the country. We are united and Nigeria will always remain an indivisible nation.
“We don’t know who is Hausa, Yoruba or Igbo, our determination is only to stamp out hunger and bring democratic dividend to our citizens. Hate statements should not be taken serious or regarded from anyone,” he said.
Okorocha commended Kebbi farmers for saving the country a lot of foreign exchange through their agricultural activities especially rice production.
Kebbi State Governor, Atiku Bagudu, said the governors would continue to work diligently in line with the APC manifesto.
He said they would intensify efforts to eradicate poverty.
“The enthusiasm and patriotism of President Muhammadu Buhari and Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, demonstrate that Nigeria is getting its footsteps right.
“All that helps Nigeria to develop is now brought to debate and discussion table, and we should always cherish what we discuss significantly in order to enhance our development,” Bagudu said.
The retreat was to evaluate current challenges faced by state governments in accessing opportunities and resources provided by various policies of the Federal Government.