By Hassan Taiye

The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, on Tuesday called on lawmakers to remain guided by faith, duty and the collective aspirations of Nigerians as the Senate resumed plenary after a brief adjournment.

Speaking at the National Assembly in Abuja, Akpabio noted that while the legislature had temporarily adjourned to allow committees carry out important legislative assignments, the life of a nation and the expectations of its citizens never pause.

He observed that across the country, Nigerians have continued their daily struggle to build, labour, hope and endure, stressing that lawmakers must return to their responsibilities with renewed commitment as custodians of the people’s trust and stewards of their welfare.

The Senate President also paid tribute to the late Senator Barinada Mpigi, who represented Rivers South-East Senatorial District, describing his death as a painful loss to the Senate and the nation.

Akpabio said the late lawmaker served the National Assembly with dedication and remained committed to the welfare of his constituents and the ideals of democratic governance.

According to him, Senator Mpigi was known for his calm strength, cooperative spirit and unwavering commitment to the legislative process.

He extended condolences on behalf of the Senate to the family of the deceased, the government and people of Rivers State, and the people of Rivers South-East Senatorial District whom the late senator served with diligence.

The Senate President also reflected on the significance of the sacred seasons of Ramadan and Lent, noting that both periods represent moments of deep spiritual reflection for Muslims and Christians respectively.

He commended Muslim faithful across the country for their devotion during Ramadan, describing the fasting period as an exercise in discipline, self-denial, reflection and submission to the will of God.
Akpabio said the lessons of Ramadan—patience, humility, charity and compassion—are virtues that Nigeria urgently needs in both public and private life.
He also noted that Christians are observing Lent, a 40-day period of prayer, fasting and repentance ahead of Easter, which commemorates the suffering, sacrifice, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
According to him, both religious seasons highlight the importance of discipline before God and compassion towards fellow citizens, values he said are necessary for building a stronger and more united nation.

Akpabio stressed that representation remains central to democracy, describing it as a covenant between the people and those elected to speak on their behalf.
While acknowledging the growing influence of social media in amplifying public voices, he noted that democratic institutions remain the appropriate avenue for resolving national issues.

He said while social media may raise alarms on issues affecting citizens, institutions such as the Senate must provide practical solutions through legislation and policy.

The Senate President therefore urged Nigerians to engage their elected representatives and channel their concerns through democratic institutions so that grievances can be transformed into policy actions.

Akpabio also highlighted the importance of the national budget, describing it as a critical instrument through which the aspirations of Nigerians are translated into public policy.
“A budget is more than figures on paper; it is a declaration of national intention,” he said.
According to him, the budget reflects the country’s priorities and determines where public resources are directed to support development and improve the welfare of citizens.
He expressed hope that Senate committees had exercised diligence in reviewing the budget to ensure it reflects the yearnings of Nigerians across different sectors of the economy.
Call for Unity and Purpose
The Senate President acknowledged that Nigeria faces significant challenges but expressed confidence that the country can overcome them through courage, determination and responsible leadership.
He urged lawmakers to ensure that public resources are deployed to promote development, strengthen institutions, expand opportunities and improve the lives of citizens.

Akpabio also called on senators to conduct their legislative responsibilities with dignity, seriousness and patriotism.
He concluded by expressing hope that the spiritual lessons of Ramadan and Lent would inspire lawmakers to work together for the peace, unity and prosperity of Nigeria.
“Let us debate with vigour but act with wisdom. Let us differ in opinion but remain united in our duty to the Republic,” he said.