Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Tuesday charged security agencies to intensify efforts toward rescuing citizens held captive by armed groups across the country
Welcoming senators back to plenary following their annual recess which began on July 23, Akpabio delivered a speech titled “Keeping Faith with Nigeria,” setting the legislative agenda around security, flood relief, economic relief, and political decorum ahead of the 2027 general elections
Addressing the upper chamber, the Senate President referenced recent abductions in Marisa, Dekera Mosque, and other parts of the nation, declaring that parliament cannot consider itself free while citizens remain in captivity
“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,” Akpabio stated
“We call upon our security agencies to pursue the rescue of captives and the protection of vulnerable communities with renewed vigour”
He pledged that the Senate would deploy its powers of legislation, appropriation, and oversight to support security institutions and safeguard lives and property
Highlighting the recent flooding disasters that destroyed homes and farmlands during the recess, Akpabio called on all levels of government to expedite emergency response and relief measures to prevent food shortages and support affected families
On the national economy, the Senate President urged lawmakers to ensure policy discussions reflect the everyday struggles of citizens coping with the high cost of living, including small business owners, job-seeking graduates, and households
He reiterated the Senate’s renewed commitment to addressing the pressing national challenges confronting citizens, including the rising cost of living, widespread insecurity, and severe flooding across the country
Akpabio acknowledged the severe economic hardships facing ordinary Nigerians and insisted that lawmakers must remain aligned with the everyday struggles of the people
“Many Nigerians continue to bear a very heavy cost of living,” Akpabio said, stressing the importance of carefully examining ongoing economic reforms
He pointed to families struggling with food prices and unemployed graduates as stark examples of the realities citizens face outside the walls of the National Assembly
“The sittings of the Senate ceased in plenary for a season, but the life of Nigeria did not cease,” he said
“Our victories should be measured in safer communities, better livelihoods for all Nigerians, and a stronger country for those we serve and for generations unborn”
He affirmed that the National Assembly would intensify its constitutional duties—through legislation, appropriation, and oversight—to deliver concrete remedies rather than passive sentiment
With political activities intensifying ahead of the 2027 general elections, Akpabio cautioned political actors against divisive rhetoric, religious profiling, and electoral violence
“Those who seek office need not see eye to eye in order to walk hand in hand as Nigerians 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,” he said.
Reassuring the public that lawmaking will not yield to political campaigns, Akpabio affirmed that senators will remain at their posts throughout the electioneering period
He also noted that as Nigeria marks its 66th Independence Anniversary on October 1, public officers must uphold patriotism and steadfastness in addressing national challenges