- Senate President Godswill Akpabio called on his colleagues to set aside differences and focus on the nation’s common good
- He urged them to engage in open and constructive dialogue, maintain unity, and work together to address pressing national issues
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has urged his colleagues, particularly those who are dissatisfied, to put aside their differences, stating that the country’s challenges require unity, cooperation, and steadfast commitment from all.
This was stated by Akpabio in his welcome address at the resumption of plenary after a two-month recess on Tuesday.
During the break, there were reports that some disgruntled lawmakers had begun impeachment proceedings against Akpabio and had already met in Saudi Arabia to finalize their plans.
The anti-Akpabio lawmakers were said to be irritated by the harm done to governance by what they called a fictitious impeachment plot aimed at pitting senators against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Senator Elisha Ishaku Abbo (Adamawa) claimed in a statement that the Senate president’s loyalists sponsored the report to pit Northern senators against President Tinubu, urging Akpabio to call his camp to order.
However, the Senate president’s camp claimed that some rivals regrouped against him, citing his alleged failure to check the president’s lopsided appointments in favour of Yoruba, particularly in the financial sector.
While welcoming the senators, the Senate president urged them to focus on the greater good of the nation, anchored on the pursuit of the common good, even though dissent and differing opinions were essential to the democratic process.
He also urged them to engage in open and constructive dialogue and cooperation, as well as to maintain a spirit of unity in all matters of national importance.
Akpabio said;
As you go about your official legislative duties, be reminded that although our opinions may differ, our common purpose is to advance the well-being of our constituents and our nation.
Distinguished colleagues, in the coming days and weeks, we will address pressing issues, debate legislations, and strive to find common grounds that will move our nation forward expeditiously. I have no doubt that your dedication, wisdom, and integrity will shine through in all your endeavours.
Evidently, as with all democratic institutions, there are concerns at various levels of governance, while dissent and differing opinions are integral to our democratic process, I urge us all to focus on the greater good of our nation, anchored on the pursuit of our common good, interests of our constituents and protection of our fledgling democracy.
In the face of rising poverty, insecurity, and public agitation for good governance, it is imperative that we set aside personal differences and work together with renewed patriotism and dedication to nationhood.
The challenges before us require unity, cooperation, and steadfast commitment to addressing the issues that affect the lives of all Nigerian citizens, mindful of the fact that the responsibilities we bear are weighty and that our decisions impact the lives and livelihoods of countless Nigerian citizens.
On this backdrop, I call on all of us to commit our efforts and actions solely to the advancement of our dear Country Nigeria, by demonstrating against all odds and sentiments, that we are resolute in our determination to surmount the challenges that have limited our progress and prosperity in the past years.
Be mindful that our constituents look to us for leadership and hope, and we must not falter in fulfilling our responsibilities to them.
Lastly, I encourage us all to put the interests of our great nation first, by upholding the principles of democracy in all engagements, processes, and procedures and working diligently towards a more secure, prosperous, and united Nigeria. Together, we can overcome all challenges and build the Nigeria of our dreams.