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We cannot turn blind eye to burning problems afflicting the country, Akpabio tells senators

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Godswill Akpabio, Senate President

…Says Welfare of Nigerians must be the focus of the Senators

…That in times like these, true leadership and faithful representation are called for

By Henry Umoru

AS the tenth Senate begins its second Legislative year, the President of the Senate,  Senator Godswill Akpabio has said that as lawmakers, they cannot  turn a blind eye to the burning problems that afflict Nigeria at the moment.

According to him, the problem of Insecurity is there to contend with, the need for economic growth and diversification, the fight against corruption, and the pursuit of social justice are just a few of the pivotal issues that require their patriotic commitment and collective determination.

Welcoming Akpabio his colleagues from the two- week Sallah break and the beginning of the second legislative year of the 10th Senate,  the President of the Senate who urged the Senators to remain focused  on the welfare of Nigerians in their legislative decisions and actions, said that in times like these, true leadership and faithful representation are called for.

Akpabio said, “We have traversed many obstacles since embarking on this journey, but there are still many challenges ahead. Our beloved Nigeria grapples with pressing issues that demand our immediate attention. We cannot turn a blind eye to the burning problems that afflict our great nation. Insecurity, the need for economic growth and diversification, the fight against corruption, and the pursuit of social justice are just a few of the pivotal issues that require our patriotic commitment and collective determination.

“In times like these, true leadership and faithful representation are called for. We must rise above partisan interests and prioritize the common good. Our mandate is not solely to legislate, but to be the voice of the people, representing their hopes and dreams, and working tirelessly to create a Nigeria that is fair, prosperous, and inclusive.

“To achieve this, we must be guided by the principles of accountability, transparency, and good governance. Let us be the shining example of integrity, honesty, and fairness. Let us be the beacon of hope and progress that our people yearn for.

“Distinguished senators, I implore you to remain focused on the welfare of the people in your actions and decisions. Let us never forget that we are here to serve the Nigerian people, to uplift the lives of the less fortunate, and to create an environment where every citizen can thrive and fulfill their potential. Our success will not be measured by the power we hold or the positions we occupy, but by the impact we make in the lives of those we represent.

In conclusion, distinguished senators, let us seize this moment, united in purpose and determination, to forge the Nigeria of our dreams. A Nigeria where every Nigerian can proudly serve our great nation.

“In this our second legislative year, it is our plan to establish a state-of-the-art medical facility in close proximity to us to serve the distinguished senators, honorable members, National Assembly staff, and our esteemed guests. This initiative aims to provide functional and effective healthcare for all. Within the last legislative year we also completed and commissioned the National Assembly Library.

“Recognizing the interconnectedness of our world and the global nature of our society, we engaged in parliamentary diplomacy to showcase our thriving democracy to the international community. These diplomatic endeavors yielded fruitful relationships in countries like China, the United Arab Emirates, and various African nations. We also fostered inter-parliamentary friendship groups within our region and beyond. By promoting our democracy abroad, we not only increased our global presence but also paved the way for foreign direct investment in vital projects within our beloved nation.

“The Tenth Senate’s commitment to poverty alleviation goes beyond mere duty; it is an obligation we hold dear. We must continue working tirelessly to ensure that all our policies are designed to provide sustenance for every Nigerian. It is crucial to remember that the strength of a chain is determined by its weakest link, and thus, we must steadfastly support the Executive in their efforts to renew the hopes of our fellow Nigerians.”