Reflecting on Senate’s message of keeping faith with Nigeria at Independence

In commemoration of Nigeria’s 66th Independence, the leadership of the Senate made calls to all Nigerians, to keep faith with the nation.

Keeping faith with Nigeria

First to make the call, was the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio who in welcoming fellow Senators back into plenary session  from annual long recess on Tuesday last week, read a speech titled: “Keeping Faith with Nigeria.”

Akpabio, in the speech posited that Nigerians should keep faith with Nigeria at 66, as the country never ceases at anytime to become a Nation the founding fathers envisioned despite series of challenges confronting it and Nigerians.

He, accordingly, admonished all Nigerians, to continue to put in their best towards making the Nigerian project, an enviable reality among comity of nations in future.

Clinically, Akpabio in the call,  tasked fellow Senators on the need to leverage on legislative functions and powers entrusted in them  by the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, to make Nigeria more functional for Nigerians in terms of safe and secured society as well as enabling environment for actualisation of dreams and attainment of goals by government at the various levels.

“When we adjourned on 23 July, the sittings of the Senate ceased for a season but the life of Nigeria did not. In our villages and towns,

in our markets and on our farms, our people went on working, raising their children, pursuing their hopes and facing their fears. There, beyond these walls, the matches are played and the goals must be scored.

 “This Chamber is our training ground. Here we must study the field, learn from what we have seen, sharpen our judgment and prepare to act.

“Our victories will be measured in safer communities, better livelihoods and a stronger country for those we serve.

“During our recess, families have waited in anguish for loved ones taken by armed men in Marisa, at Dekera Mosque and elsewhere in our country. Communities have lived beneath the shadow of violence.

“Others have watched floodwaters sweep away their homes and their labour. To those who mourn, to those who wait and to those who have been driven from their homes, we offer our sympathy.

“But sympathy alone cannot discharge our duty. They are entitled to our attention, our resolve and the full force of our constitutional responsibility.

“So long as a single Nigerian languishes in captivity, a part of Nigeria is held captive; and this Chamber cannot call itself free of the burden.

“We call upon our security agencies to pursue the rescue of captives and the protection of vulnerable communities with renewed vigour. We shall examine, through legislation, appropriation and oversight, what more must be done to end these infernal assaults upon our people.

 “We cannot summon citizens to courage and then leave them to face danger alone.

 “Their safety is a charge laid upon every institution of government, including this Senate.

“We stand also with those afflicted by floods. A warning must lead to preparation; preparation must lead to protection; and relief must reach the people for whom it is intended. When a farmer loses a harvest, our country loses food it can ill afford to spare.

“When a family loses its home, the nation has a stake in helping that family rise again. We thank those who have laboured in emergency response, and we urge every level of government to match their dedication with action taken in time.

“Many Nigerians continue to bear a heavy cost of living. In this Chamber, we must examine figures, forecasts and reforms with care. But we must never forget how the economy is felt beyond this Chamber: by the mother counting the cost of a meal, the graduate searching for work and the small business owner striving to keep the doors open. They will judge our efforts by what changes in their lives. We must hear their concerns and answer with work that yields results,” he said.

Faith in 2027 general elections

Akpabio in the ‘sermonising speech’, called on fellow politicians and Nigerians generally, to protect the interest of Nigeria far above whatever may be the outcome of the 2027 general elections.

His words: “Distinguished colleagues, the contest for Nigeria’s future is already before us. Campaigns for the 2027 general elections have begun. Parties have chosen their candidates. Citizens will weigh rival visions.

“Let the candidates for the various offices speak, and speak with conviction, for the causes they hold dear. Let the contest be vigorous; let it be open; and let every participant remember the country that must live together when the contest is over.

“We can contend without setting community against community, faith against faith or one part of our Republic against another.

“Let every candidate make a case and answer hard questions. Let every citizen be free to decide. We must reject violence and intimidation, and resist the falsehoods that travel swiftly and leave distrust in their wake.

“No electoral prize is worth a Nigerian life. No victory deserves celebration if it leaves the nation wounded.

“Patriotism requires clear eyes and a steadfast heart: clear eyes to see our difficulties, courage to confront them and steadfastness to go on building together.

“Let us campaign with honour, debate with conviction and serve with humility. 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”

Barau’s call

Apparently on the same thoughts flow with Akpabio on keeping faith with Nigeria at 66, the Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin, in his goodwill message to Nigerians, urged them to keep hope alive and assured them of a safe and secure nation in the nearest future.

He said: “After 66 years of independence, our country has made significant progress, even as we continue to confront challenges.

“With unity of purpose, resilience and faith in our collective capacity, Nigeria will overcome its present difficulties and emerge stronger.

“With the cooperation of Nigerians, we will build a stronger, more prosperous and more secure nation.

“This is a time to remain hopeful and committed to the task of nation-building. We must all play our part in building the Nigeria we desire,” Barau appealed.