The President of the Senate, Godswill Obot Akpabio, on Tuesday challenged lawmakers to place Nigeria’s interest above partisan politics, intensify legislative efforts to address insecurity and deliver laws that directly improve the lives of citizens as the National Assembly resumed plenary after its recess.
In a strongly worded address to senators, Akpabio said the country faces mounting security and economic challenges that require lawmakers to demonstrate courage, patriotism and unwavering commitment to national service.
He reminded senators that although Parliament had been on recess, the demands of governance never ceased, noting that lawmakers remained actively engaged with their constituents while responding to issues of national importance.
“Our recess was never an intermission from national service. Parliament may adjourn, but democracy never sleeps,” he declared.
Reflecting on political developments during the break, Akpabio said the conduct of party primaries and other democratic processes underscored the strength of Nigeria’s constitutional democracy despite producing both winners and losers.
According to him, the nation’s democratic stability depends not on electoral victories alone but on respect for constitutional order and the rule of law.
Turning to security, the Senate President described the continued abduction of Nigerians, including schoolchildren in Ondo State, as a painful reminder that insecurity remains one of the country’s gravest challenges.
He said the Senate stands in solidarity with families of victims and pledged continued legislative support for the Armed Forces, the Police and other security agencies in the fight against terrorism, banditry and kidnapping.
“For as long as one Nigerian remains in captivity, all Nigerians share in that captivity,” he said.
Akpabio warned that persistent insecurity threatens every sector of the economy, arguing that agriculture, education, investment and infrastructure development cannot flourish where fear dominates communities.
He said the Senate would continue to prioritise legislation and appropriations aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture and protecting lives and property.
The Senate President also challenged lawmakers to justify the confidence Nigerians have placed in them by passing reforms that stimulate economic growth, improve education and healthcare, protect vulnerable citizens, expand opportunities for young people and strengthen public institutions.
He called for robust but responsible oversight of government agencies, insisting that accountability must be pursued with fairness, objectivity and patriotism.
Urging members to rise above political divisions, Akpabio appealed for constructive engagement in the chamber, saying lawmakers could disagree on policies without undermining one another’s patriotism.
He stressed that the Senate’s decisions would shape Nigeria’s future for generations and urged members to make the welfare and security of Nigerians the central focus of every debate, motion and legislative action.
Expressing optimism about the new legislative session, Akpabio said history would judge the 10th Senate not by the number of sittings it held but by the impact of the laws it enacted and the difference it made in the lives of ordinary Nigerians.
He concluded with prayers for peace, wisdom for lawmakers, strength for security agencies and the safe return of all Nigerians still being held captive.