Godswill Akpabio, the Senate’s president, has urged his colleagues to prioritize Nigeria’s interests while they carry out their different legislative duties.

He said this on Tuesday, just before the Senate dissolved into a protracted, all-night closed-door session following a six-week break.

“I encourage us all to put the interests of our great country first, by upholding the values of democracy in all engagements, processes, and procedures, and working diligently toward a more secure, prosperous, and united Nigeria,” he said. By working together, we can overcome every obstacle and create the Nigeria of our dreams.

The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, pleaded with all resentful legislators to put down their swords and work with his administration in his inaugural remarks.

While dissent and divergent viewpoints are essential to our democratic process, Akpabio continued, “Evidently, as with all democratic institutions, there are concerns at various levels of governance. I urge us all to focus on the greater good of our nation, anchored on the pursuit of our common good, interests of our constituents, and protection of our fledgling democracy.