The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has called on Nigerians to actively engage their elected representatives and hold them accountable on issues affecting their communities, stressing that democratic governance functions best when citizens participate meaningfully in the legislative process.
Akpabio made the call on Tuesday while delivering his address at the resumption of plenary in the Nigerian Senate after a short adjournment that allowed various committees to carry out legislative assignments.
He described the Senate as a “workshop of solutions” rather than merely a platform for political debates, insisting that the upper legislative chamber remains committed to addressing the country’s major challenges through deliberate policy decisions.
Addressing the chamber, Akpabio said, “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.
“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.”
The Senate President emphasised that citizen participation is a crucial element of democracy, noting that lawmakers are elected primarily to represent the interests and concerns of the people.
He said, “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.
“The burdens of governance do not take leave. The task of representation lies at the very heart of the democratic enterprise. Representation is not an abstraction written only in constitutional language. It is a living covenant between the people and those whom they elect to speak in their name.”
Akpabio also acknowledged the increasing influence of social media in shaping public discourse but stressed that legislative procedures remain critical in converting public concerns into practical policy outcomes.
The former governor of Akwa Ibom State further highlighted the importance of the national budget currently before the National Assembly of Nigeria, describing it as a key instrument of public policy that reflects the nation’s priorities and development goals.
“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.
“It tells our citizens where we choose to invest our energies, what priorities we pursue, and what future we seek to build,” he noted.
His remarks come as the National Assembly resumes legislative activities with the consideration of major national matters, including the 2026 Appropriation Bill, constitutional amendments and other policy reforms expected to shape Nigeria’s governance framework.
Reflecting on the nation’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.
“We must therefore ensure that public resources are deployed in ways that promote development, strengthen institutions, expand opportunity, and uplift the lives of our citizens,” he stated.
The Senate President concluded by calling on senators to prioritise national interest above political differences as 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—the obligation to serve Nigeria faithfully and to secure for our people a future worthy of their sacrifice and hope.”
What you should know
Godswill Akpabio has served as Senate President since June 2023 and previously governed Akwa Ibom State between 2007 and 2015.
As leader of the upper legislative chamber, he oversees the lawmaking process and coordinates debates on national policies, budgets and constitutional reforms.
His call for greater citizen engagement reflects a broader effort to encourage public participation in Nigeria’s democratic system, particularly as the National Assembly considers key national issues such as the 2026 Appropriation Bill and constitutional amendments that could influence governance and development in the country.
