By Lanre Oloyede
President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has called on security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue Nigerians held captive by criminal elements, stressing that no electoral victory is worth the life of a citizen.
Welcoming senators back to plenary on Tuesday after more than two months of recess, Akpabio said the country could not claim to be free while any Nigerian remained in captivity.
“So long as a single Nigerian languishes in captivity, a part of Nigeria is held captive; and this Chamber cannot call itself free of the burden,” he declared.
He pledged that the National Assembly would use legislation, appropriation and oversight powers to support efforts aimed at tackling insecurity and protecting communities.
Akpabio also appealed to politicians to pursue their ambitions peacefully as political activities intensify ahead of the next electoral cycle, warning against attempts to set communities, religious groups or regions against one another.
“No electoral prize is worth a Nigerian life. No victory deserves celebration if it leaves the nation wounded,” he said.
The Senate President urged lawmakers to maintain decorum and remain focused on their legislative responsibilities despite the increasing political activities, stressing that disagreements across parties and regions must be handled with dignity and respect for Nigeria’s unity.
He assured that the Senate would remain committed to its constitutional responsibilities and continue legislative activities until the end of its mandate, notwithstanding the commencement of political campaigns.
