Senate President Godswill Akpabio has urged politicians to pursue their ambitions peacefully ahead of the next electoral cycle, warning that no political victory should come at the expense of Nigerian lives.
Akpabio spoke on Tuesday, September 29, in his welcome address as senators returned to plenary after more than two months away from the chamber.
He called on political actors to avoid rhetoric and actions capable of deepening divisions along religious, regional or communal lines, stressing the need for a peaceful political environment.
According to him, candidates should be given the opportunity to explain their programmes, defend their records and respond to difficult questions, while voters must be allowed to make their choices without intimidation or violence.
“No electoral prize is worth a Nigerian life. No victory deserves celebration if it leaves the nation wounded.”
The Senate President also used the occasion to draw attention to Nigerians still being held in captivity, calling for renewed efforts by security agencies to secure their release and protect vulnerable communities.
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He said the country could not regard itself as completely free while any citizen remained 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 pledged that the Senate would continue to use its legislative, appropriation and oversight functions to assess what more could be done to strengthen security and prevent attacks on communities.
With political activities expected to intensify, he charged senators to maintain decorum and remain focused on their constitutional responsibilities.
He said political differences among lawmakers from different parties, regions and ideological backgrounds were inevitable but should be managed with dignity and respect for national unity.
Akpabio also assured Nigerians that the Senate would remain operational and continue its legislative work until the end of its mandate, despite the growing political activities surrounding the next electoral cycle.