Akpabio to senators: Let every motion reflect integrity and patriotism — Nigerians are watching

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has urged lawmakers to recommit themselves to national service with integrity and patriotism.

In a welcome address at the resumption of plenary on Tuesday, Akpabio implored the lawmakers to prioritise legislative efforts on issues that promote national unity.

He said the spiritual lessons from Easter and Eid-el-Fitr must guide the senate’s actions in addressing the economic, security, and social challenges facing the nation.

“Let those lessons not remain in the churches or mosques we attended. Let them walk with us into this chamber, speak through our debates, and shine in the quality of the laws we make,” Akpabio said.

The senate president called for legislative action to support the work of the executive, especially in areas like insecurity, cost of living, and energy instability.

“Much has transpired in our dear country while we were away. Our economy continues to stretch the patience and resilience of our people,” he said.

“The rising cost of living, the instability in the energy sector, and the persisting insecurity in parts of the nation all these demand not just attention but legislative action.

“Legislative action to support the great work the Executive Arm led by President Bola Tinubu is doing to fix the myriad of challenges which besiege our nation.

“In the South-East and North-West, communities still battle criminality and terrorism. In the North-Central, farmers and herders still seek protection and justice. And in the South-South, the questions of environmental equity and resource fairness remain unresolved.

“These are not just news headlines they are the bleeding wounds of the republic. Our people look to us, not for rhetoric, but for rescue.”

Akpabio also cautioned senators against complacency, reminding them of the public and historical scrutiny under which they operate.

“Let us make no mistake: we are under watch. The people are watching. The world is watching. Our constituents are watching. And history — silent, but unsleeping — is watching,” he said.

Akpabio said the senate would focus on bills crucial to national stability and urged his colleagues to prioritise patriotism over partisanship.

“The task ahead of us this session is as solemn as it is historic. We will be examining bills critical to national stability—on security reform, economic resilience, education, technology, and youth empowerment,” he added.

“Our committees will delve into oversight functions that could unlock the performance potential of many MDAs.

“Let us carry out our duties with the spirit of statesmen, not partisans. Let us elevate debate over division. Let us govern with grace, not grudge.

“Let every vote we cast, every motion we raise, and every oversight we conduct bear the fingerprints of integrity and patriotism.”

The senators later voted in support of a two-day national security summit aimed at finding lasting solutions to the country’s insecurity.