Senate President Godswill Obot Akpabio on Tuesday set a sober and action-oriented tone as the Nigerian Senate resumed plenary, reminding lawmakers that the weight of history, the hopes of citizens, and the eyes of the world are firmly upon them.
Delivering his welcome address in the hallowed chamber of the National Assembly, Akpabio described the recess period—which encompassed both Easter and Eid-el-Fitr—as spiritually enriching, urging senators to carry the values of sacrifice, discipline, and unity into their legislative responsibilities.
His words: “These sacred seasons are not merely religious milestones.
“They are moral mirrors and national metaphors. 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 emphasized that the nation faces mounting challenges, from economic pressures and energy instability to insecurity across various regions.
He pointed specifically to the persistent violence in the South-East and North-West, farmer-herder clashes in the North-Central, and environmental justice issues in the South-South.
“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,” he declared.
The Senate President also acknowledged the ongoing national discourse on electoral and judicial reforms, urging his colleagues to respond with legislative seriousness.
“We are under watch. The people are watching. The world is watching. Our constituents are watching. And history—silent, but unsleeping—is watching,” he stated.
Looking ahead, Akpabio laid out the Senate’s legislative priorities for the session, including bills on national security reform, economic resilience, youth empowerment, education, and technology.
He urged senators to approach their duties with statesmanship over partisanship, and integrity over personal interest.
He said: “To the Nigerian people, I say this: Your Senate is back at work. We have not forgotten your hopes, your hardships, or your hunger for change.
“We are here—refreshed in spirit, renewed in resolve—to build a nation where peace is not an illusion, and progress is not a promise, but a pattern.”
