The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has called on lawmakers to renew their commitment to addressing Nigeria’s challenges, urging them to focus on national development and legislative reforms.
Akpabio made the call in a speech to welcome lawmakers back to work after the Christmas and New Year break.
In his address titled “Rising to the Greatness of Our Calling,” Akpabio underscored the need for a collective resolve to transform Nigeria into a nation of progress and hope.
He said, “As we embark on this new legislative year, I urge us all to include in our New Year resolutions a renewed commitment to the service of our great nation, Nigeria.”
Highlighting the importance of the national budget, Akpabio described it as more than a financial document, but as a reflection of the aspirations and hopes of millions of Nigerians.
“We must ensure that every item within it reflects the collective dreams of our people and serves as a catalyst for development, equity, and justice,” he stated.
The Senate President also underpinned the urgency of completing electoral reforms ahead of the next electoral cycle.
“Electoral reform is not just a legislative duty; it is a moral imperative,”noting that a transparent and credible electoral system is essential for the country’s democratic stability.
Addressing the broader challenges facing Nigeria, the Senate President called for steadfast prayers for peace and unity.
He further urged his colleagues to recognize the power of collective intercession in guiding the nation’s leaders and uniting its people.
Concluding his address, Akpabio encouraged the senators to rise to the challenge, pursue excellence, and remain dedicated to nation-building.
“Our work here is not just about legislation; it is about shaping the future of a nation and leaving a legacy for generations to come’.
“We are at the end of the first quarter of the 21st century, a time that demands bold action and visionary leadership, History is calling on us to make a difference to write a new narrative for our nation, one of progress, justice, and boundless possibilities,” Akpabio maintained.
He expressed optimism for the legislative year ahead, calling on his colleagues to unite in purpose and strive for the common good.
Meanwhile, the senate has confirmed nominees of President Bola Tinubu for the newly established North West Development Commission (NWDC) and South East Development Commission (SEDC).
The upper legislative chamber confirmed the nominees after Orji Uzor Kalu, chair of the senate’s ad hoc committee on the regional developments, presented a report on Tuesday.
The senator representing Abia north said the nominees met all the necessary requirements to hold public office during their screening.
The senate confirmed 14 nominees of the north-west commission and 18 for the south-east commission.
While Lawal Samai’la Abdullahi was confirmed as chairman of the north-west commission, Abdullahi Shehu Ma’aji was confirmed as its chief executive officer (CEO).
Others are, Yahaya Umar Namahe, Aminu Suleiman, Ja’afar Abubakar Sadeeq, Yahaya Aminu Abdullahi, Muhammad Ali Wudil, Shamsu Sule, Nasidi Ali, Chukwu Chijioke, Ahmed Mohammed, Ahmed Rufai Timasantyu, Macdonalds Michael Uyi and Babatunde Dada.
Emeka Nworgu and Mark Okoye were confirmed as the chair and Managing director of the south-east commission.
Other confirmed nominees for the commission are Ugochukwu Agballah, Okey kzenwa, Hyacinth Ikpor, Chidi Echeazu, Ifeanyi Agwu, Nasiru Usman, Hamma Adama, Ali Kumo, Edward David Onoja, Orure Kufre Inima, Daniel Akwari, Joke Adebayo-Chukwuma, Stanley Ohajuruka, Sylvester Okonkwo, Toby Okechukwu, Anthony Agbo and Clifford Ogbede.
