Akpabio said the incidents are reminders of the urgency and gravity of the challenges facing the country.
The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio has lamented over the tragic incidents that befell the country during the period of the National Assembly (NASS) recess.
This is as he called on his colleagues in both Chambers (House of Representatives and Senate) to work together to address these challenges head-on and work towards a better Nigeria.
Akpabio made this call while giving a welcome address to his colleagues during Tuesday’s plenary after returning from its recess that lasted for over a month.
OrderPaper recalls that the National Assembly had on March 20th, 2024, embarked on a recess to observe the Sallah and Easter holidays.
Following the resumption of the Senate on Tuesday, April 30th, 2024, Akpabio welcomed his colleagues and commended them for their tireless effort in ensuring a better Nigeria.
According to him, the sad explosion in Port Harcourt that killed innocent lives and left massive destruction in its wake, along with the deaths of troops and other security personnel, demonstrated how urgent it is to address safety precautions and guarantee the welfare of the people.
He also said that the rise in petrol and utility bills highlights how urgent it is to address concerns about affordability, inflation, and the well-being of the country’s economy as a whole.
He said, “Shortly before we went on recess, our nation experienced events that shook our moral foundations. One of them was the callous ambush and murder of seventeen soldiers on a peacekeeping mission in Delta State. This heinous act filled our hearts with deep sorrow, as it was one of the foulest deeds of our time. The scars it left behind will serve as a constant reminder, urging us to strive for justice, security, and a better world.
“No words can adequately express the depth of our grief, but let it be known that we are resolute in our determination to wage a war against insecurity to its logical conclusion. I urge the Executive Arm to spare no efforts in bringing those responsible for this heinous act to justice.
“We also witnessed the massive, fiery carnage on the East-West Road in Rivers State, which claimed five lives and caused destruction worth billions of Naira. Additionally, other issues such as the increase in electricity tariffs and petroleum product prices demand our attention. These incidents remind us of the urgency and gravity of the challenges we face as a nation.
“But what can we learn from these incidents? The loss of our soldiers reminds us of the grave threats we still face from insecurity and terrorism. The tragic explosion in Port Harcourt, claiming innocent lives and causing widespread devastation, highlights the urgency of addressing safety measures and ensuring the well-being of our citizens. The increase in tariffs and prices emphasises the pressing need to address issues of affordability, inflation, and the overall well-being of our economy.
“These events, among others, reinforce the fact that our nation is confronted with multifaceted challenges. They highlight the urgency and gravity of the issues we must confront, calling for our collective efforts to find sustainable solutions.”
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Akpabio emphasised that in order to give the necessary legislation to uplift Nigerians, the Senate and the House of Representatives must collaborate.
“As representatives of the people, it is our duty to address these challenges head-on and work towards a better future for all.
“Let us also not forget the importance of cooperation with our constituents. We were elected to represent their voices, hopes, and dreams. It is through our engagement and partnership with them that we can truly make a meaningful impact on their lives and the development of our nation. The National Assembly can only fly with two wings. Therefore, both the Senate and the House of Representatives must collaborate and cooperate and provide the wings for the National Assembly to fly and lift Nigerians up. We must at all times collaborate and cooperate with the other arms of government, without compromising our Constitutional duties, in order for our democracy to thrive.
“As senators, our efforts must be focused on restoring hope, righting wrongs, and upholding our commitments to the well-being of our people. Together, fueled by a renewed spirit of fraternity, unity, and solidarity, we must move forward and cooperate generously for the common good. Throughout history, the spirit of cooperation has brought about tremendous progress. Let us pool our resources, talents, and ideas while respecting our differences and convictions of conscience.
“At the same time, let us not forget those trapped in the cycle of poverty. Our fight against poverty and hunger must be total and relentless, addressing its root causes and restoring dignity to the marginalised,” he added.
Meanwhile, following the plenary sitting, the Senate adjourned till Tuesday, 7th May 2024 in order to enable the finishing touches on the hallowed chamber, particularly the sitting arrangements that led to a heated debate on the floor of the Chamber as well as the audio system.
STAR Check: Nigerians, particularly, constituents of Akwa-Ibom North West district, can keep tabs on the legislative performance of Sen. Akpabio throughout the 10th senate here.
