Refreshed in spirit, renewed in resolve—The Senate returns with a promise to rise to Nigeria’s moment.
Rising to Nigeria’s Moment
Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s Welcome Address at the Resumption of Senate Plenary
As the 10th Senate reconvened after a spiritually profound recess, Senate President Godswill Obot Akpabio addressed his distinguished colleagues in a compelling speech that was equal parts a national reflection and a legislative roadmap.
Coming on the heels of the Easter and Eid-el-Fitr celebrations, Akpabio drew profound parallels between these sacred observances and the moral fibre needed to move Nigeria forward.
“These are not merely religious milestones,” he emphasized. “They are moral mirrors and national metaphors.”
A Moment for Moral Leadership
Akpabio’s address highlighted key national values—sacrifice, discipline, unity, and resilience—as essential ingredients in tackling the nation’s ongoing challenges. He urged lawmakers to carry the spiritual reflections of the recess into the heart of legislative work, calling for laws that reflect the dignity of the people and the urgency of the times.
“Let those lessons not remain in the churches or mosques. Let them walk with us into this chamber,” he urged.
National Challenges, Legislative Responsibility
From economic strain and energy instability to regional insecurity, the Senate President was frank in his assessment of the country’s current trials. Akpabio stressed the importance of supporting the Executive Arm led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, signaling a united government approach to reform.
He cited troubling realities in:
- The South-East and North-West, where terrorism and criminality persist,
- The North-Central, plagued by herder-farmer conflicts,
- And the South-South, still grappling with environmental and resource-based injustice.
“These are not just headlines,” he said. “They are the bleeding wounds of the republic.”
Integrity Over Rhetoric
In a clarion call to his colleagues, Akpabio reminded them of the gaze fixed upon the Senate: from citizens, the global community, and history itself.
“We are under watch… And history—silent but unsleeping—is watching.”
He called for a return to integrity in voting, patriotism in debate, and diligence in oversight, particularly as the chamber considers landmark legislation on:
- Security and economic reform,
- Educational advancement,
- Technological innovation,
- Youth empowerment, and
- Enhanced oversight for MDAs.
The Senate is Back—And Ready
Closing his speech, the Senate President delivered a powerful assurance to Nigerians:
“Your Senate is back at work. We have not forgotten your hopes, your hardships, or your hunger for change.”
This wasn’t just a welcome address—it was a mission statement for the months ahead. A reminder that the Senate, under Akpabio’s leadership, is committed to delivering not promises, but results.
With a renewed spirit and a clear sense of purpose, Senator Godswill Akpabio set the tone for a legislative session poised to tackle Nigeria’s most pressing issues head-on—with grace, grit, and governance.
