By: Odeh Favour
The Senate on Tuesday resumed plenary from its annual recess with a firm demand on the Federal Government and security agencies to step up efforts toward rescuing abducted Nigerians and protecting communities under security threats.
President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, made the call in his welcome address as lawmakers reconvened after suspending plenary since July 23, 2026.
Speaking on the imperative of immediate action, Akpabio declared that lawmakers cannot ignore the growing hardships confronting the populace while away on break.
“We adjourned since the 23rd day of July, 2026. The sittings of the Senate ceased in plenary for a season, but the life of Nigeria did not cease,” he said.
The Senate President maintained that the performance of the legislature must translate into tangible security and economic relief for citizens across the nation.
According to him, “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”.
Akpabio expressed deep concern over the persistent abduction of citizens by armed groups, charging government institutions to go beyond issuing mere condolences.
“Sympathies alone cannot discharge our duties. They are entitled to our attention, our resolve and the full force of our constitutional responsibilities,” Akpabio stated.
He stressed that protecting the populace remains an absolute duty of state institutions that must never be abandoned.
“We cannot summon citizens to courage and then leave them to face danger alone. Their safety is a charge laid upon us and upon every institution of government, particularly this Nigerian Senate,” he emphasized.
He added that “So long as a single Nigerian languishes in captivity, a part of Nigeria is itself captive, and this chamber cannot call itself free of the burden”.
The Senate President assured that the upper legislative chamber will deploy all tools at its disposal including legislative interventions, budgetary allocations, and strict oversight to tackle insecurity, severe flooding, and the rising cost of living facing Nigerians.
