The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, calls on lawmakers and political actors to embrace conscience-driven politics as the Senate begins the final phase of the 10th National Assembly. He makes the call at the first plenary sitting of 2026, marking the Senate’s return from the Christmas and New Year recess.
According to Mediaplusng.com, Akpabio says the Senate is “hitting the ground running” as it faces critical tasks, especially the national budget. He stresses that the budget process requires decisive action, strict scrutiny, responsible passage, and faithful implementation, with close collaboration between the legislature, the executive, and other stakeholders.
The Senate President notes that with about one year and five months left in the life of the Assembly, lawmakers must focus on impactful legislation and strong oversight rather than piling up unfinished bills. He says history will judge the Senate by the quality and impact of its laws, not by the number passed.
Akpabio also raises concerns over a looming food crisis, citing United Nations projections that up to 35 million Nigerians may face hunger this year, Mediaplusng.com reports. He urges urgent legislative and policy actions to boost food security, support farmers, stabilise supply chains, and protect vulnerable citizens from rising food prices.
As political activities intensify ahead of future elections, the Senate President warns against divisive politics. He calls on political parties and actors to act with conscience, civility, and patriotism, stressing that Nigeria’s unity, peace, and stability must not be sacrificed on the altar of personal ambition.
He says lawmakers have a responsibility to rise above partisan interests and place national interest first, especially at a time when citizens expect leadership, restraint, and maturity from elected officials. According to him, the coming political season must not distract the Senate from its constitutional duties.
On security, Akpabio commends ongoing military cooperation between Nigeria and the United States in the fight against terrorism. He expresses sympathy for families affected by insecurity across the country and calls for sustained efforts to defeat insurgency, banditry, and other criminal activities.
The Senate President also appeals for continued prayers for Nigerians still held in captivity, assuring that the National Assembly will continue to support policies and actions aimed at rescuing victims and restoring peace to affected communities.
Reaffirming the Senate’s constitutional role, Akpabio describes lawmakers as trustees of the people’s mandate. He says the Senate must remain focused on passing laws that strengthen democratic institutions, secure lives and property, and restore public confidence in governance.
He urges committees to intensify oversight of ministries, departments, and agencies to ensure effective implementation of approved budgets and policies. According to him, strong oversight is essential to translate legislative work into real benefits for citizens.
Akpabio also calls for discipline and cooperation among senators, noting that the final legislative phase demands unity of purpose, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to national development.
“This is our moment of reckoning,” the Senate President says, adding that Nigerians are watching closely. He stresses that the actions and decisions taken in this period will define the legacy of the 10th National Assembly.
He concludes by urging senators to remain focused, courageous, and principled, insisting that the Senate must “finish strong” by delivering laws and oversight that positively shape Nigeria’s future.
