ABUJA — President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has urged Nigerians to actively engage their elected representatives and present their concerns, stressing that the National Assembly remains a critical platform for translating public grievances into policies and action.
Akpabio made the call while delivering his welcome address as the Senate resumed plenary after a break for the 2026 budget defence by Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
He reminded senators that the legislature must go beyond debate and focus on delivering practical solutions to national challenges.
“The Senate is not merely a theatre of debate; it is a workshop of solutions where ideas must be refined into policies that serve the people,” Akpabio said.
The Senate President noted that Nigeria currently faces significant challenges that require unity, clarity of purpose, and determination from leaders and citizens alike.
“Distinguished colleagues, Nigeria stands today at a moment that calls for clarity of purpose and steadfastness of spirit. The challenges before us are real,” he said.
According to him, the responsibility of lawmakers is to ensure that the aspirations of Nigerians — from farmers and traders to students and workers — are properly represented in government policies and decisions.
“It is through the instrument of representation that grievances are transformed into policy and concerns into action,” he added.
Akpabio also emphasised the importance of accountability in the use of public resources, noting that government spending must promote development, strengthen institutions, expand opportunities, and improve the welfare of citizens.
“We must ensure that public resources are deployed in ways that promote development, strengthen institutions, expand opportunity, and uplift the lives of our citizens,” he said.
He urged lawmakers to carry out their duties with dignity and patriotism, encouraging robust debate while maintaining unity in serving the country.
“Let us debate with vigour but act with wisdom. Let us differ in opinion but remain united in our duty to the Republic,” Akpabio said.
The Senate President further called for reflection and unity, noting that the current Ramadan and Lenten seasons should inspire lawmakers to approach their responsibilities with sincerity and moral clarity.
“May the spirit of Ramadan inspire our character and strengthen our resolve, may the spirit of Lent illuminate our conscience and guide our actions, and may the Almighty guide our deliberations as we labour together for the peace, unity, and prosperity of our beloved country,” he said.
