Senate President Godswill Akpabio has admitted that Nigerians are currently grappling with economic hardship, stating that the upper chamber empathizes with them.
In his welcome address on Tuesday at the resumption of the Senate plenary after the annual recess, Mr. Akpabio remarked that Nigerians have faced numerous challenges in recent months, particularly the severe economic hardship, which necessitates immediate action from lawmakers.
He said, “In the face of rising economic pressures, our fellow citizens have been grappling with the harsh realities of inflation, soaring living costs and an unpredictable market. These challenges have tested the very fabric of our society. I stand here today to express our deepest empathy for every Nigerian who bears the burden of these trying times.”
Mr. Akpabio emphasized that it is the sacred duty of lawmakers to respond with urgency and compassion, noting, “Your struggles are not lost on us; it is our sacred duty, as your earnest representatives, to respond with urgency and compassion.”
Furthermore, he urged senators to prioritize Nigeria’s security, ensuring that every citizen can walk down any street without fear. He highlighted that the recent surge in insecurity in various regions serves as a clarion call for lawmakers to intensify efforts in crafting laws and taking decisive actions to safeguard communities.
He stated, “The recent break was an opportunity for us to connect with the heartbeat of your constituents, instilling in them the belief that brighter days lie ahead.”
Senate president however expressed gratitude to the senators for “exhibiting a great sense of patriotism and a nationalistic spirit,” affirming, “We shall neither retreat nor surrender in our quest to uplift the fortunes of our fellow Nigerians. We must prove ourselves worthy of the trust they have placed in us.”
