By Haruna Salami
The President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, GCON, has charged members of the 10th National Assembly to embrace urgency, discipline and purpose as the Senate resumes plenary for 2026, declaring that the legislature has entered the “final stretch” of its constitutional journey.
Akpabio gave the charge on Tuesday in Abuja in his welcome address at the first plenary sitting of 2026 after the Christmas and New Year recess, urging senators to focus on impactful legislation, meaningful reforms and effective oversight that would leave a lasting legacy for the nation.
Welcoming lawmakers back from the recess, the Senate President said the break provided an opportunity for senators to reconnect with their constituents, understand their concerns and return better informed and more determined to serve Nigerians effectively.
However, he noted that the resumption was marked by sorrow following the death of Senator Godiya Akwashiki, who represented Nasarawa North Senatorial District. Akpabio described the late lawmaker as a diligent and humble public servant whose contributions to the Senate would be deeply missed. He extended condolences to the bereaved family, the people of Nasarawa North and the Senate, leading the chamber in a minute of silence in his honour.
Addressing national issues, Akpabio said Nigeria continued to grapple with economic pressures, security challenges and social demands, while citizens remained resilient and hopeful. He commended ongoing military cooperation between Nigeria and the United States in the fight against terrorism, while sympathising with families affected by insecurity across the country.
The Senate President also expressed concern over a United Nations warning that up to 35 million Nigerians could face hunger this year, describing it as a sobering call for urgent legislative and policy action to strengthen food security and protect vulnerable citizens.
