The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio has stated that the 10th National Assembly is committed to changing the “destiny” of Nigeria.
He made these remarks during the opening of a two-day retreat for the leadership of the National Assembly in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom state.
Akpabio emphasized the assembly’s determination to provide hope and contribute to good governance in Nigeria.
Akpabio said:
“We believe that this is the government that should come to change the fortunes of our country”.
“The assembly believes that this is the National Assembly that should come to change our destiny.
“We believe that this National Assembly has come to give hope to our nation.
“We must not only be worthy leaders but also dealers of hope for the entire membership of the National Assembly in particular and our nation in general.
“Examine the world’s history, and you will uncover that a few thoughtful, patriotic, selfless, concerned citizens armed with faith and conviction have consistently been the agents of change. They initiated the charge, and the masses followed.”
The Senate President encouraged his fellow lawmakers to avoid attributing the country’s challenges solely to particular political parties.
He said:
“Friends and colleagues, we can lead the charge in our country. Let us be united in purpose”.
“It does not matter which political party you used to get to the Red or Green Chamber, right now we are in the Nigerian boat.
“If we all put our hands on deck, the Tenth Assembly shall surmount every challenge. It is in our hands to make this Assembly the last hope of the common man or the lost hope of the common man.
“My friends and colleagues, let us not make the mistake of thinking that our problem is APC or PDP or LP or SDP or any other party. That is an error.
“We face a collective action problem because relevant groups and stakeholders in our country fail to connect, cooperate and collaborate.
“But if we, the leadership of the Tenth National Assembly, can properly understand and effectively use collective action processes in the official conduct of business, we would achieve positive outcomes for our country.”
He advised the lawmakers to “do their part” noting that “if we win, we win together; if we fail, we fail together”.