Senate President Godswill Akpabio has reaffirmed the commitment of the 10th Senate to transparency, accountability, and responsiveness in the discharge of its legislative duties.
Akpabio gave the assurance on Tuesday while welcoming senators back to plenary after a 10-week annual recess.
In his welcome address titled “Steady Hands for a Great Nation,” the Senate President said: “To the citizens of Nigeria, we say this: we hear you. We know your expectations. You ask not for excuses but for results; not for noise but for substance.
“This Senate will remain open, accountable, and responsive. We will not shrink from scrutiny — indeed, we welcome it, for accountability is the lifeblood of democracy.
“But it must be clearly understood: the foundation of every democracy is its legislature. Those who seek to weaken the legislature, in truth, seek to wreck the substructure of democracy itself.”
Akpabio sympathized with victims of flooding and other disasters across the country, extending prayers and support to those affected by insecurity, hunger, and economic hardship.
He urged lawmakers to return to legislative duties with renewed determination, stressing that Nigerians expect action, not lamentation, from their representatives.
Akpabio also emphasized the need for bold legislative reforms aimed at revamping the economy, improving education and healthcare, empowering youths, and strengthening the federal system through constitutional review.
He added that the Senate would maintain a firm but cooperative relationship with the Executive, pledging to uphold the chamber’s independence and the principles of democracy for the good of all Nigerians.