President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has called on Nigeria’s security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue citizens held captive by armed groups and strengthen the protection of vulnerable communities across the country.
Akpabio made the call on Tuesday as the Senate resumed plenary after its recess, urging lawmakers to use legislation, appropriation and oversight to address insecurity, flooding and the rising cost of living confronting Nigerians.
In his welcome address titled “Keeping Faith with Nigeria”, Akpabio said the Senate’s responsibilities extended beyond the walls of the National Assembly, stressing that Nigerians continued to face serious challenges in their communities.
He expressed sympathy with families whose relatives were abducted during the recess, including victims of attacks in Marisa and Dekera Mosque, as well as communities affected by violence and displacement.
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“So long as a single Nigerian languishes in captivity, a part of Nigeria is held captive,” Akpabio said.
He urged security agencies to pursue the rescue of captives and protection of vulnerable communities “with renewed vigour”, adding that the Senate would examine what further action was required through legislation, funding and oversight.
The Senate President also expressed solidarity with victims of recent floods, calling for better preparedness, protection and timely delivery of relief to affected communities.
He said the loss of farms and homes to flooding had consequences beyond individual families, particularly at a time when the country was dealing with economic pressures.
“When a farmer loses a harvest, our country loses food it can ill afford to spare,” he said, urging governments at all levels to translate early warnings into effective preparation and timely intervention.
Akpabio also acknowledged the continued pressure on households and businesses arising from the cost of living.
He said lawmakers must carefully examine economic figures, forecasts and reforms while remaining conscious of how economic conditions affect ordinary Nigerians.
According to him, the success of government policies would ultimately be measured by their impact on families, job seekers and small business owners.
“They will judge our efforts by what changes in their lives,” he said.
2027 Elections
With campaigns for the 2027 general elections underway, Akpabio urged political candidates and parties to conduct their activities in a manner that would preserve national unity.
He said candidates should be free to present their competing visions and engage in vigorous debate, but warned against violence, intimidation and misinformation.
“Those who seek office need not see eye to eye in order to walk hand in hand as Nigerians,” he said.
Akpabio urged political actors to avoid setting communities against one another along ethnic, religious or regional lines, stressing that the country would remain together after the elections.
“No electoral prize is worth a Nigerian life. No victory deserves celebration if it leaves the nation wounded,” he said.
He also called on citizens to make their electoral choices freely and urged political contestants to answer difficult questions and conduct their campaigns with honour.
Maintain Dignity of Senate
The Senate President charged lawmakers to maintain the dignity of the institution and continue discharging their constitutional responsibilities throughout the campaign period.
He noted that senators belonged to different political parties, regions and ideological traditions but represented one country.
“We shall continue to disagree, as a free Parliament must,” he said, while stressing the need for lawmakers to listen to one another and remain focused on their responsibilities until the end of their mandate.
Akpabio also reflected on Nigeria’s forthcoming 66th Independence Anniversary, which the country will mark on October 1.
He paid tribute to Nigerians who contributed to the country’s independence and said their legacy should inspire current generations to protect the nation’s freedom and improve opportunities for future generations.
He urged lawmakers to return to their duties with a commitment to improving national security, strengthening institutions and expanding opportunities for Nigerians.
“Let us campaign with honour, debate with conviction and serve with humility,” Akpabio said.
He concluded by reaffirming the Senate’s commitment to the country.
“We have returned to this Chamber because Nigeria’s work continues. By God’s grace, we shall keep faith with her, and with the people who sent us here,” he said.
