Senate is workshop for solutions beyond social media magnified noise – Akpabio

The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has described the Senate as a “workshop of solutions” rather than a mere arena for political debates, insisting that the upper legislative chamber remains committed to addressing the nation’s pressing challenges through deliberate policy actions.

This was as he challenged Nigerians to engage their elected representatives, urging the people to come up with concerns to those whom they have entrusted with the responsibility of speaking for them.

Akpabio stated this while delivering his address at the resumption of plenary in the Nigerian Senate after a brief adjournment that allowed various committees to carry out legislative assignments.

He noted that it is through what he described as the instrument of representation that grievances are transformed into policy and concerns into action.

The speech is titled “Faith, Duty and the voice of the People.”

He said, “I therefore encourage Nigerians everywhere: engage your representatives. Bring your concerns to those whom you have entrusted with the responsibility of speaking for you.

“For it is through the instrument of representation that grievances are transformed into policy and concerns into action.

“The Senate is not merely a theatre of debate; it is a workshop of solutions. Where social media magnifies the noise of the moment, the Senate addresses the substance of the problem.

“Where the digital arena stirs emotion, the legislative process pursues resolution.

Akpabio also raised the alarm that Nigeria stands today at a moment that calls for clarity of purpose and steadfastness of spirit, saying that challenges before them as lawmakers are real.

He said, “Distinguished colleagues, Nigeria stands today at a moment that calls for clarity of purpose and steadfastness of spirit.

“The challenges before us are real. But history teaches us that great nations are not built by those who shrink from difficulty; they are built by those who confront it with courage and determination.

“We must therefore ensure that public resources are deployed in ways that promote development, strengthen institutions, expand opportunity, and uplift the lives of our citizens.”

“History teaches everyone that great nations are not built by those who shrink from difficulty; they are built by those who confront it with courage and determination,” he stated, urging his colleagues to ensure that public resources are deployed in ways that promote development, strengthen institutions, expand opportunity, and uplift the lives of our citizens.

Speaking about the death of one of their colleagues, Senator Barinada Mpigi who represented Rivers South-East, Akpabio warned that they should be reminded once again of the fragility of life and the enduring value of service to one’s people.

Akpabio’s full speech read, “We assemble once again in this Senate after our brief adjournment, which enabled our committees to carry out important legislative work. Yet we do so with the full knowledge that while legislatures may adjourn, the life of a nation never pauses.

“The march of events does not wait for parliamentary calendars. The hopes of our people do not sleep. The burdens of governance do not take leave.

“Across our land, from the great cities to the smallest villages, the Nigerian people have continued their daily struggle — to build, to labour, to hope, and to endure. It is therefore fitting that we return not merely to our seats, but to our solemn duty as custodians of the people’s trust and stewards of their welfare.

“Distinguished colleagues, Before we proceed further with our deliberations, let us pause to acknowledge with deep sadness the recent passing of our distinguished colleague, Senator Barinada Mpigi, who represented the good people of Rivers South-East Senatorial District.

“His passing has left a painful void in this chamber and in the hearts of those who knew him.

“Senator Mpigi was a patriot whose years of service in the National Assembly were marked by dedication to the welfare of his constituents and loyalty to the ideals of democratic governance.

“He was a man of calm strength, cooperative spirit, and unwavering commitment to the legislative process.

“In mourning his departure, we are reminded once again of the fragility of life and the enduring value of service to one’s people.

“On behalf of the Senate, I extend heartfelt condolences to his beloved family, to the government and people of Rivers State, and especially to the people of Rivers South-East Senatorial District whom he served with diligence and pride.

“May Almighty God grant his soul eternal rest and grant his family and constituents the strength to bear this irreparable loss.

“Distinguished colleagues, during the period of our adjournment, millions of our compatriots have been observing the sacred month of Ramadan, a holy season which continues to unfold across the Muslim world.

“Ramadan is not merely a period of fasting; it is a profound exercise in discipline, self-denial, reflection, and submission to the will of Almighty Allah.

“It reminds humanity that restraint is strength, that sacrifice refines the spirit, and that devotion to God must find expression in compassion for fellow citizens.

“On behalf of this Senate, I commend the Muslim faithful across our country for the devotion with which they continue to observe this sacred season. The lessons of Ramadan are not confined to the mosque alone.

“Patience, humility, charity, and obedience to God are virtues that our nation desperately needs in public life and private conduct alike. A people disciplined in spirit will always build a nation strong in character.