Akpabio Urges Nigerians to Uphold Justice, Accountability as Senate Resumes
President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has urged Nigerians and their leaders to embrace justice, compassion, and responsible leadership as guiding principles for national progress. He made the call on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, as the Senate reconvened for plenary after a 10-week recess.
Delivering his welcome address titled “Steady Hands for a Great Nation,” Akpabio congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and citizens on Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary, describing the nation-building process as “a continuous relay of duty and hope.”
“The flame may flicker, but it must never die,” he said, urging lawmakers to remain steadfast in their commitment to a just, united, and prosperous Nigeria.
Akpabio began on a solemn note, mourning the victims of recent national tragedies — including those who lost their lives in the Niger River boat mishap in Kogi, the Katsina mosque attack, and the killing of twelve forest guards in Kwara. He also sympathised with communities ravaged by floods in Bayelsa, Sokoto, and Zamfara, calling for stronger intergovernmental collaboration to prevent such disasters from recurring.
“To every family touched by disaster, insecurity, hunger, or hardship, we extend our compassion and solidarity. The Senate will not waver in its duty to bring relief and solutions,” he affirmed.
Turning to economic issues, Akpabio highlighted Nigeria’s rising oil production — now approaching 1.8 million barrels per day — as a sign of renewed investor confidence. He, however, cautioned that the gains must be used wisely to promote fiscal discipline, infrastructure renewal, and job creation.
He also drew attention to worsening food insecurity affecting over 33 million Nigerians, urging legislators to pursue bold reforms in agriculture, irrigation, and mechanisation.
“Our people do not expect us to lament — they expect us to act,” he declared, listing terrorism, banditry, inflation, and power shortages as pressing challenges demanding urgent legislative response.
Akpabio called for structural reforms to broaden the tax base, strengthen education and healthcare systems, attract investment, and create opportunities for the youth.
Reaffirming the Senate’s role as a pillar of democracy, he pledged that the upper chamber would maintain a constructive but independent relationship with the Executive.
“Where government policies uplift our people, we shall support them. Where they endanger their welfare, we shall speak for the voiceless,” he vowed.
He further emphasised transparency and accountability, noting that any attempt to weaken the legislature would undermine the very foundation of democracy.
As the nation gradually approaches the 2027 general elections, Akpabio urged political actors to uphold integrity, competence, and service above populist theatrics.
“Leadership is not a carnival, and governance is not theatre,” he said. “Democracy thrives when ballots are cast not for the loudest voices, but for the wisest heads.”
Concluding his address, Akpabio charged his colleagues to legislate with courage and foresight, promising that the 10th Senate would serve as “an instrument of transformation, a citadel of democracy, and a beacon of hope.”
“Let history record that in our time, we did not shy from truth nor shrink from duty, but led our people toward leaders worthy of their trust,” he concluded.
