Former Head of State Gen. Yakubu Gowon and Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Kukah, on Sunday joined dignitaries at the commissioning of the first Christian chapel at the National Assembly complex in Abuja, urging lawmakers to prioritise citizens’ welfare and uphold national unity.
The event, which also drew the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, top government officials, and members of the clergy, marked the end of years during which Christian legislators and staff relied on temporary arrangements and external venues for worship and fellowship.
Speakers described the completion of the chapel as both a spiritual milestone and a call to moral responsibility for lawmakers serving over 200 million Nigerians.
Gowon congratulated lawmakers but cautioned against religious division, saying, “God says that we should love one another as we love ourselves. We must love one another and use it in ensuring the continuity and unity of this country.”
Bishop Kukah reminded legislators that their authority is temporary while God’s authority is eternal. He lamented the scarcity of justice, compassion, and order despite Nigeria’s deep religiosity and urged lawmakers to enact laws that promote unity and shared humanity.
READ ALSO: Tinubu, Gowon, Obasanjo, Jonathan For N’Assembly Chapel Dedication
Former Speaker of the House of Representatives Yakubu Dogara traced the chapel’s vision to earlier assemblies, describing its completion as an act of faith. Citing 2 Chronicles 7:14, he stressed that repentance remains key to national renewal and warned that the structure would be meaningless without unity.
Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu said the chapel should serve as a reminder of accountability to God in the lawmaking process. Quoting Psalm 127:1, he noted that political strategy alone cannot address Nigeria’s complex challenges.
The commissioning concluded with prayers for national unity, ethical leadership, and a renewed commitment to people-centred governance within the National Assembly.