Senate President Godswill Akpabio Calls for Renewed Commitment to National Service, Security, and Democratic Governance
President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has called on members of the 10th Senate to recommit themselves to the service of the Nigerian people as the National Assembly commenced its Fourth Legislative Year.
Addressing senators during plenary following the Senate’s resumption from recess, Akpabio described the new legislative session as more than a constitutional milestone. He said it represents a renewed responsibility to advance national development, strengthen democratic institutions, and respond decisively to the pressing challenges facing Nigeria.
According to the Senate President, the demands of leadership require lawmakers to place national interest above personal convenience while remaining steadfast in their constitutional duty to serve over 200 million Nigerians.
“Our recess was never an intermission from national service. Parliament may adjourn, but democracy never sleeps. We returned to our constituencies, listened to our people, participated in the democratic process and witnessed once again the resilience of the Nigerian spirit and the enduring faith of our people in democracy,” Akpabio said.
Putting National Duty Above Personal Convenience
Reflecting on the Senate’s emergency recall during the recess to consider urgent national matters, Akpabio described the swift response of lawmakers as an example of patriotism and institutional responsibility.
He noted that effective legislatures are remembered not by the number of sitting days, but by their willingness to rise to the nation’s call whenever circumstances demand.
“Great legislatures are not remembered because they met according to schedule; they are remembered because they rose above schedules whenever the nation demanded it. Patriotism chooses duty over personal convenience.”
Strengthening Nigeria’s Democracy
Commenting on recent political developments across the country, including party primaries, the Senate President reminded lawmakers that democracy is ultimately sustained not by electoral victories alone but by respect for constitutional processes.
While acknowledging that some politicians celebrated victories and others experienced disappointment, he stressed that Nigeria’s greatest achievement remains the continued strengthening of constitutional democracy.
“History teaches that nations rarely collapse because they hold elections, but because they refuse to respect them. Democracy endures when the nation is valued above victory and ambition bows to the Constitution.”
Security Remains a National Priority
Akpabio also expressed concern over the country’s persistent security challenges, particularly the abduction of schoolchildren in Ondo State and other Nigerians who remain in captivity.
While expressing confidence in the efforts of the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, and intelligence agencies, he reaffirmed the commitment of the National Assembly to support legislative measures that strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture.
He emphasized that sustainable development cannot thrive where insecurity persists.
“Peace is the first infrastructure of development. Roads cannot flourish where fear governs the highways. Investors cannot build where kidnappers build camps. Farmers cannot feed a nation while fleeing their farms, and children cannot prepare for tomorrow when they are afraid to attend school today.”
According to Akpabio, every appropriation for security and every law designed to protect lives and property should be viewed as an investment in Nigeria’s future.
A Renewed Legislative Agenda
Looking ahead to the Fourth Legislative Year, the Senate President urged lawmakers to focus on legislation that delivers measurable benefits to Nigerians.
He called for laws that stimulate economic growth, strengthen education and healthcare, create opportunities for young people, improve national security, and protect vulnerable citizens.
Akpabio further stressed the importance of robust parliamentary oversight, describing it as one of the National Assembly’s most important constitutional responsibilities.
He urged senators to remain vigilant custodians of the public trust by ensuring oversight that is constructive, objective, and firmly rooted in the national interest.
Building the Future Together
The Senate President concluded by encouraging members of the Senate to foster unity, mutual respect, and constructive engagement throughout the legislative year.
He reminded lawmakers that healthy democratic debate should strengthen institutions rather than divide them and called on senators to remain focused on the collective responsibility of nation-building.
“Let us debate without diminishing one another and criticise policies without questioning patriotism. Democracy insists that though we may not always see eye to eye, we must always stand shoulder to shoulder. We are not merely making laws for today; we are shaping the destiny of generations yet unborn.”
As the 10th Senate begins its Fourth Legislative Year, the renewed call by Senate President Godswill Akpabio reflects the chamber’s commitment to advancing reforms, strengthening democratic institutions, improving national security, and enacting legislation that promotes sustainable development and improves the lives of all Nigerians.
