After a ten-week break, the Nigerian Senate convened for its plenary session on Tuesday, with Senate President Godswill Akpabio setting a determined tone for the lawmakers.
In his opening remarks, Akpabio firmly committed the Senate to a path of accountability, discipline, and effective governance.
Addressing the Nigerian populace directly, the Senate President acknowledged their demands, stating, “We hear you. You asked us not for excuses, but for results. We will remain accountable and responsive.”
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He stressed that the legislative branch’s role is a “sacred duty of trust and not theatrics,” cautioning colleagues against any conduct that could weaken the democratic structure.
He issued a stern warning: “Those who seek to weaken the legislature seek to delete the structure of democracy itself.”
Akpabio urged a focus on competence over celebrity, appealing to his colleagues to select individuals “worthy of the people’s trust” for national service, rather than those who are merely “the loudest voices” or “seek office as an ornament.”
The Senate President emphasised the need for immediate legislative intervention regarding the ongoing flood disasters across the nation.
He promised that the 10th Senate would intensify efforts to provide relief and solutions for the affected victims.
On the economic front, Akpabio acknowledged a rise in Nigeria’s oil output and commended President Bola Tinubu‘s administration for its role in solidifying state finances.
He highlighted a significant achievement, declaring that “no state governor is borrowing to pay salaries,” and urged all lawmakers to champion fiscal discipline.
Tuesday’s resumption was marked by the presence of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan representing KogibCentral, who was returning to the chamber after a six-month suspension.
In a display of support for global issues, several senators arrived wearing clothing in the colours of Palestine, making a visual statement in favour of a free Palestine.
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The Senate, along with the House of Representatives, had begun its yearly legislative recess in July, a customary time in the National Assembly’s schedule that allows members to balance their national duties with their constituency work and personal obligations.
