RismadarVoice Reporters, March 10, 2026
President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, on Tuesday urged Nigerians to hold their elected representatives accountable and actively engage lawmakers on issues affecting their communities, stressing that democracy thrives when citizens participate meaningfully in the legislative process.
Akpabio made the call while addressing senators at the resumption of plenary following a brief adjournment which allowed various committees to carry out legislative assignments.
Describing the Senate as a “workshop of solutions” rather than merely a platform for political debate, he said the upper legislative chamber remained committed to addressing the nation’s pressing challenges through deliberate policy actions.
“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,” he said.
Akpabio encouraged Nigerians to actively engage their representatives to ensure public concerns are translated into legislative action.
“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 added.
The Senate President emphasized that representation remains the cornerstone of democratic governance.
“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,” he said.
Akpabio also acknowledged the growing influence of social media in shaping public discourse, however stressed that legislative processes remain essential in translating public concerns into concrete policy decisions.
The former Akwa Ibom State governor drew attention to the national budget currently before the National Assembly, describing it as a critical policy instrument that reflects the country’s development priorities.
“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 said.
His remarks came as the National Assembly resumed legislative activities, with deliberations expected on key national issues including the 2026 Appropriation Bill, constitutional amendments, and other policy reforms.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s current challenges, Akpabio urged lawmakers to remain focused on delivering solutions that strengthen institutions and improve the lives 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 stated.
He concluded by urging senators to place 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.”
