By Solomon OKPO
The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, on Tuesday called on Nigerians to actively engage their elected representatives and hold them accountable on issues affecting their communities, emphasizing that democracy thrives when citizens participate meaningfully in governance.
Akpabio made the call while delivering his address as plenary resumed in the Nigerian Senate following a brief adjournment that allowed various committees to undertake legislative assignments.
Describing the Senate as a “workshop of solutions,” the Senate President said the upper chamber remains committed to addressing the country’s pressing challenges through deliberate legislative and policy actions rather than merely engaging in political debates.
According to him, the role of lawmakers goes beyond public discourse, stressing that the legislative process provides the avenue through which public concerns are translated into concrete policies.
“The Senate is not merely a theatre of debate; it is a workshop of solutions. Where social media magnifies the noise of the moment, the Senate addresses the substance of the problem. Where the digital arena stirs emotion, the legislative process pursues resolution,” Akpabio said.
He encouraged citizens across the country to communicate their concerns directly to their representatives, noting that democratic representation works best when constituents remain engaged with those elected to speak on their behalf.
“I therefore encourage Nigerians everywhere: engage your representatives. Bring your concerns to those whom you have entrusted with the responsibility of speaking on your behalf. For it is through the instrument of representation that grievances are transformed into policy and concerns into action,” he stated.
The Senate President also underscored the importance of citizen participation in strengthening democratic governance, describing representation as a covenant between the people and their elected officials.
“We assemble once again in this Senate after our brief adjournment, which enabled our committees to carry out important legislative work. Yet we do so with the full knowledge that while legislatures may adjourn, the life of a nation never pauses,” he said.
Akpabio acknowledged the increasing role of social media in shaping public discourse but maintained that legislative institutions remain vital in turning public sentiment into actionable policies.
He further highlighted the significance of the national budget currently before the National Assembly of Nigeria, describing it as a major policy instrument that reflects the country’s priorities and development aspirations.
“Among the pressing matters before this chamber stands the national budget that great ledger of national purpose in which the hopes of millions are translated into the language of public policy. A budget is more than figures on paper; it is a declaration of national intention,” he noted.
The Senate President explained that the budget reveals where the government intends to invest resources and what future it seeks to build for citizens.
His remarks come as the National Assembly resumes legislative activities with deliberations on critical national matters, including the 2026 Appropriation Bill, constitutional amendments, and other reforms expected to shape Nigeria’s governance landscape.
Reflecting on the country’s current challenges, Akpabio urged lawmakers to remain focused on delivering solutions that would strengthen institutions and improve the welfare of citizens.
“Nigeria stands today at a moment that calls for clarity of purpose and steadfastness of spirit. The challenges before us are real. But history teaches us that great nations are not built by those who shrink from difficulty; they are built by those who confront it with courage and determination,” he said.
He concluded by urging senators to place national interest above partisan considerations as legislative deliberations resume.
“Let us debate with vigour but act with wisdom. Let us differ in opinion but remain united in our duty to the Republic. For above all our political differences stands a higher obligation to serve Nigeria faithfully and to secure for our people a future worthy of their sacrifice and hope,” Akpabio added.
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