Senate President Godswill Akpabio has called on Nigerians to prioritize engagement with their elected representatives over social media activism, asserting that the legislature remains the most effective platform for solving national problems.
Speaking during the resumption of plenary on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, Akpabio acknowledged that while digital platforms are useful for highlighting public grievances, they lack the structural power to implement lasting policy changes.
Moving Beyond the “Digital Arena”
Akpabio characterized the Senate not as a place for empty rhetoric, but as a “workshop of solutions.” He noted that while social media often amplifies the “noise of the moment” and stirs public emotion, the legislative process is designed to address the core substance of issues and provide orderly resolutions.
“Social media speaks to the moment; representation speaks to the future,” Akpabio stated, urging citizens to channel their frustrations through the formal “instrument of representation” where grievances can be legally transformed into actionable policies.
Budget as a Tool for Progress
The Senate President highlighted the 2026 national budget as a primary focus for the current session. He described the fiscal document as much more than a collection of numbers, calling it a blueprint for Nigeria’s development and a reflection of the government’s true intentions.
He assured the public that Senate committees would scrutinize the budget to ensure it meets the needs of everyday Nigerians – specifically mentioning students, farmers, traders, and the general workforce.
A Call for Unity and Purpose
Acknowledging the various hurdles currently facing the country, Akpabio urged his fellow lawmakers to set aside political differences and work with a “clarity of purpose.” He emphasized that great nations are built by those who face difficulties with courage rather than those who avoid them.
He concluded by reminding the chamber that their duties must be performed with dignity and patriotism, ensuring that public resources are managed responsibly to strengthen national institutions and improve the quality of life for all citizens.
