Akpabio to Lawmakers: Nigerians Are Watching, Let’s Lead with Integrity and Action

 

As Nigeria grapples with economic hardship and growing insecurity, Senate President Godswill Akpabio has issued a passionate call to action, urging lawmakers to rise above partisanship and work in unity to address the nation’s pressing challenges. Addressing his colleagues on their return from recess, Akpabio delivered a powerful speech titled “Rising to Nigeria’s Moment”, laying bare the current state of the country and the expectations of the Nigerian people.

In his opening remarks, Akpabio acknowledged the gravity of the issues at hand, emphasizing the urgency for legislative support in collaboration with the Executive arm of government. He did not mince words about the growing frustrations among citizens due to economic instability and insecurity.

“Distinguished Senators, much has transpired in our dear country while we were away. Our economy continues to stretch the patience and resilience of our people,” he stated.

He painted a picture of a nation under strain, pointing to a trio of crises:

“The rising cost of living, the instability in the energy sector, and the persisting insecurity in parts of the nation—all these demand not just attention but legislative action.
Legislative action to support the great work the Executive Arm led by President Bola Tinubu is doing to fix the myriad of challenges which besiege our nation.”

Akpabio’s message was both an appeal and a warning: Nigerians are no longer satisfied with speeches—they want results. He acknowledged the diverse and deeply rooted challenges facing various regions of the country:

“In the South-East and North-West, communities still battle criminality and terrorism. In the North-Central, farmers and herders still seek protection and justice.
And in the South-South, the questions of environmental equity and resource fairness remain unresolved.”

He didn’t refer to these as mere statistics or headlines, but described them as:

“...the bleeding wounds of the republic. Our people look to us, not for rhetoric, but for rescue.”

In a move to inspire unity and faith in governance, the Senate President appealed to both divine guidance and a renewed sense of responsibility among the leadership:

“But I believe that there is no river we cannot cross if we put our trust in God and faith in the people He has ordained to lead us in both the Executive and Legislative Arms of our government.”

During the Senate’s recess, Akpabio said, the public discourse had not gone silent. Instead, the airwaves and media were alive with debates over electoral and judicial reforms, and the role of the legislature in upholding Nigeria’s democratic foundation.

“These are not idle conversations. They are the heartbeat of our democratic future. Let us rise up and meet these expectations.”

In what seemed like a subtle caution to internal factions within the Senate, Akpabio reminded his fellow lawmakers that the country is watching—closely and critically. He urged his colleagues to embrace the seriousness of their roles and to act with statesmanship rather than political bias.

“My Distinguished Colleagues, let us make no mistake: we are under watch. The people are watching.
The world is watching. Our constituents are watching. And history—silent but unsleeping—is watching.”

He stressed that every legislative act, from voting to committee oversight, must be driven by “integrity and patriotism.”

Looking ahead, Akpabio outlined the critical focus areas for the legislative session, including bills related to security reform, economic resilience, education, technology, and youth empowerment. He emphasized that the Senate’s committees would also intensify their oversight duties to hold ministries and agencies accountable.

His message to the Nigerian people was clear and deliberate:

“To the Nigerian people, I say this: Your Senate is back at work. And 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.
So help us God.”

As the 10th Senate resumes legislative business, Akpabio’s words set the tone for what could be a defining period in Nigeria’s journey toward reform and recovery. But as he rightly said, "No test must find us wanting. No challenge must catch us unprepared."

The question now is: will the Senate live up to the weight of its words?