Senate President Godswill Akpabio has called on his colleagues to prioritize national interest over partisan politics as Nigerians grapple with severe economic challenges. Speaking during the resumption of plenary after recess, Akpabio described the current situation as testing citizens’ patience and resilience.
In his address titled “Rising to Nigeria’s Moment,” Akpabio highlighted critical issues including rising living costs, energy sector instability, and persistent insecurity across regions. He emphasized that legislative action must complement executive efforts to address these multidimensional crises.
“The rising cost of living, energy instability, and insecurity demand not just attention but legislative action,” Akpabio stated. “These are not mere headlines – they are bleeding wounds of our republic. Nigerians expect solutions, not rhetoric.”
The Senate President outlined regional security concerns: criminality in the Southeast, terrorism in the Northwest, farmer-herder conflicts in North-Central, and resource equity questions in the South-South. He stressed that electoral and judicial reforms remain crucial for democratic consolidation.
Akpabio reminded senators of their historic responsibility, noting they’re being watched by citizens and the international community. “Every vote, motion, and oversight must bear fingerprints of integrity and patriotism,” he urged, calling for governance “with grace, not grudge.”
The legislative agenda will focus on security reforms, economic resilience bills, education, technology, and youth empowerment. Akpabio assured Nigerians that the Senate remains committed to transforming promises of progress into tangible realities.
The address comes amid growing public discontent over economic hardship, with inflation reaching 33.2% and food prices soaring by 40% year-on-year. Analysts suggest the Senate’s ability to translate these concerns into concrete policies will test its credibility as an institution of democratic accountability. i
