Senate President Godswill Akpabio has described the National Assembly as a bridge through which the hopes and aspirations of ordinary Nigerians are translated into government decisions.
Akpabio stated this on Tuesday while addressing the 153rd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union in Arusha, Tanzania.
He said democracy should not be measured by elections and economic statistics alone, but by its impact on the daily lives of citizens.
According to him, inclusion, trust and opportunity are essential to building a democracy that delivers tangible benefits to the people.
“Trust is the invisible currency of democracy. We cannot command it, demand it or legislate it into existence. We earn it through fairness, transparency and accountability,” he said.
Akpabio said the National Assembly was committed to representing Nigerians through legislation, appropriation, oversight and other constitutional responsibilities.
“Parliament is a bridge over which the hopes of ordinary people travel into the decisions of government,” he added.
He also highlighted the Federal Government’s tax reforms, regional development initiatives and the Nigerian Education Loan Fund as measures aimed at expanding opportunities and reducing barriers for Nigerians.
Akpabio urged parliaments around the world to build institutions that listen to citizens, serve their interests and strengthen public trust.
“The smallest village must have a stake in the greatest national ambition. When every citizen can say, ‘I belong, I am heard, and my future matters,’ democracy becomes a promise fulfilled,” he said.
N’Assembly remains hope of ordinary Nigerians – Akpabio
