Senate President Godswill Akpabio has said that the National Assembly must work in synergy to ensure that issues of hardship and the rising inflation are tackled.
This came as the Senate spokesperson, Yemi Adaramodu, faulted an earlier report that senators fought over sitting arrangement, which forced them into a closed-door meeting.
Speaking when lawmakers returned from their Easter and Sallah recess, Akpabio said as representatives of the people, it is their duty to address challenges of hardship and the rising inflation.
“We must address these challenges head-on and work towards a better future for all.
“Let us also not forget the importance of cooperation with our constituents. We were elected to represent their voices, hopes, and dreams. It is through our engagement and partnership with them that we can truly make a meaningful impact on their lives and the development of our nation.
“The National Assembly can only fly with two wings. Therefore, both the Senate and the House of Representatives must collaborate and cooperate and provide the wings for the National Assembly to fly and lift Nigerians up,” Akpabio said adding that they must at all times collaborate and cooperate with the other arms of government, without compromising their constitutional duties, in order for democracy to thrive.
“As senators, our efforts must be focused on restoring hope, righting wrongs, and upholding our commitments to the well-being of our people. Together, fueled by a renewed spirit of fraternity, unity, and solidarity, we must move forward and cooperate generously for the common good. Throughout history, the spirit of cooperation has brought about tremendous progress. Let us pool our resources, talents, and ideas, while respecting our differences and convictions of conscience.
“At the same time, let us not forget those trapped in the cycle of poverty. Our fight against poverty and hunger must be total and relentless, addressing its root causes and restoring dignity to the marginalized,” Akpabio added.
“I am confident that we, as senators, can make a difference. We have been entrusted with an important role, and now is the time for courageous actions and strategies to drive this role,” Akpabio added.
After Akpabio‘s speech, the Senate went into a rowdy session as a result of sitting arraignment.
The sitting arraignment crisis led to closed door meetings for several hours.
Returning from the closed-door meeting, the lawmakers adjourned till next Tuesday as a result of the workers‘ day today and apparently to have more time to address the sitting arraignment crisis.
But Senator Adaramodu said there was no disagreement, rancor or any verbal trade in respect of the seating arrangements in the Senate chamber.
“The Senate resumes today in the newly renovated chamber and the seating positions of Senators were done in accordance with the established Legislative protocols. It‘s pertinent to know that rankings of Senators and leadership positions are considered. All legislators all over the world know and accept this tradition. The new arrangements in the chamber today did not depart from this.
“Every senator is thus considered based on this Legislative tradition, hence there couldn‘t be any confusion over seating arrangements. Senators have been observing these seating protocols, even in the temporary chamber, hence the unfounded story of a phantom fight over seating arrangements is an unscrupulous attempt to drag the image of the Senate into an unnecessary and needless controversy.
“The general public should disregard this odious song of sorrow from these incorrigible wholesalers and retailers of falsehood,” Adaramodu said.