Akpabio Urges Unity, Patriotism as Senate Reconvenes

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has called on lawmakers to place national interest above partisan considerations as the Senate resumed plenary after its legislative recess, urging renewed commitment to security, good governance and nation-building.

Delivering his welcome address at the resumption of the Senate on Tuesday, Akpabio said the return to the Chamber marked more than a constitutional obligation, describing it as a renewed call to serve over 200 million Nigerians through effective legislation and oversight.

He noted that although the Senate was on recess, democracy remained active as lawmakers returned to their constituencies to engage with constituents, participate in democratic processes and witness the resilience of Nigerians and their continued faith in democratic governance.

According to him, the Senate also demonstrated patriotism during the recess by responding whenever national issues demanded legislative attention, stressing that great legislatures are remembered not by their schedules but by their readiness to rise to national challenges.

Reflecting on political activities during the recess, Akpabio said primary elections and other democratic processes produced both winners and losers, but maintained that the greatest achievement was the preservation of constitutional order. He stressed that democracy thrives when national interest takes precedence over personal ambition.
The Senate President, however, expressed concern over the country’s lingering security challenges, particularly the continued abduction of schoolchildren in Ondo State and other Nigerians still being held by terrorists.
He extended the Senate’s solidarity to affected families, assuring them that their plight remained at the forefront of the National Assembly’s deliberations.
Akpabio expressed confidence in the Armed Forces, the Police, intelligence agencies and other security institutions, urging them to sustain efforts until every abducted Nigerian is rescued and those responsible are brought to justice.
He reaffirmed the Senate’s commitment to supporting all lawful measures aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture, noting that peace remains the foundation for national development.
According to him, insecurity undermines economic growth, discourages investment, disrupts farming activities and denies children access to education, making every security-related appropriation and legislation an investment in Nigeria’s future.
Akpabio reminded senators that Nigerians expect the National Assembly to legislate wisely, provide effective oversight and enact laws that promote enterprise, protect vulnerable citizens, strengthen education, improve healthcare, create opportunities for young people and preserve the dignity of labour.
He urged lawmakers to ensure that oversight remains fearless yet constructive, firm yet non-partisan, while emphasising that meeting public expectations requires patriotism and courageous leadership.
The Senate President encouraged members to embrace nation-building, urging them to debate issues without personal attacks and criticise policies without questioning one another’s patriotism.
Quoting the Roman statesman Cicero, he said the welfare of the people remains the highest law and noted that Nigeria’s Constitution similarly places the security and welfare of citizens as the primary purpose of government.
He called on senators to allow that constitutional responsibility to guide every committee meeting, oversight exercise, motion, amendment, debate and vote throughout the legislative session.
Akpabio expressed optimism that if lawmakers remained faithful to that mandate, the current legislative session would be remembered as one driven by patriotism, unity and selfless national service.
He concluded by praying for wisdom, courage and compassion for lawmakers, while asking God to bless the Senate, the Armed Forces, all security agencies, comfort grieving families, secure the release of Nigerians still in captivity and continue to preserve the Federal Republic of Nigeria.