Former Kaduna Central Senator Shehu Sani has challenged members of the 10th National Assembly to place principle above politics, insisting that history will judge lawmakers not by the number of bills they sponsor but by the courageous positions they take on issues that define the nation.
Speaking on Tuesday at the National Assembly Open Week in Abuja, Sani described the initiative as a significant step towards strengthening democracy by opening the legislature to greater public scrutiny and participation.
He said the programme gives Nigerians a rare opportunity to engage directly with their elected representatives, understand how laws are made, and observe the oversight functions of parliament.
According to him, such interaction strengthens public confidence in democratic institutions while promoting transparency and accountability in governance.
Addressing lawmakers, the former senator urged them to recognise the temporary nature of political office and focus on building a legacy that would outlive their tenure.
He argued that while legislative achievements are important, history remembers public officials for the convictions they uphold during moments of national controversy and difficult decisions.
“There are thousands who served before us and have left, and there will be many more after us,” he said. “We will not always be here, but our children and future generations will remember us by the mark we made in this parliament.”
Sani also called on Nigerians to defend the country’s reputation whenever it is unfairly portrayed internationally, saying Nigeria’s contributions to global peace, African liberation, and international security have often been overlooked.
He recalled Nigeria’s participation in the Second World War and its leadership in peacekeeping operations across Africa, including missions in Liberia, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Congo, Tanzania, and Darfur.
He also highlighted the country’s support for liberation movements that fought colonialism and apartheid in Southern Africa.
According to him, despite these sacrifices, Nigeria has never sought compensation or recognition, making it unacceptable for foreign nations to reduce the country’s identity to stereotypes associated with fraud, crime, and drug trafficking.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s democratic journey, Sani reminded lawmakers that the current democratic dispensation was secured through years of resistance against military rule, with many activists imprisoned, persecuted, or killed in the struggle to restore civilian governance.
He further acknowledged the enormous pressures legislators face from constituents, family members, and political associates, noting that public expectations often extend far beyond the constitutional responsibilities and available resources of lawmakers.
Sani observed that some legislators entered public office financially comfortable but left with diminished personal fortunes due to the demands associated with representation.
Despite these challenges, he urged members of the National Assembly to remain committed to public service and ensure their contributions leave a lasting imprint on the country’s democratic development.
The National Assembly Open Week is an annual public engagement initiative designed to promote transparency, accountability, and citizen participation in the legislative process through interactive sessions, public discussions, and guided access to parliamentary proceedings.