Senate President Akpabio returns from London vacation, pledges robust legislative session

• Akpabio said Nigerians would witness more dividends of democratic governance through collaboration between parliament and other government arms.
• The Senate President emphasised parliamentary diplomacy as a key tool for resolving conflicts and fostering peace at the global level.

The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, returned to Nigeria on Monday morning after a brief vacation in London.

Akpabio had earlier led a Nigerian delegation to the Sixth World Conference of Speakers of Parliament in Geneva between July 29 and 31.

He then proceeded to London for a short break before returning to the country through the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport at 4 a.m.

He was received at the Presidential Wing by senators, aides and Nigerians from various walks of life.

Speaking with journalists on arrival, Akpabio promised Nigerians robust legislative engagements as the Senate resumes.

He defended the size of Nigeria’s delegation to the Inter-Parliamentary Union meeting in Geneva, stressing the benefits of global parliamentary engagement.

According to him, Nigerians would see more dividends of democratic governance and stronger cooperation with other arms of government.

At the 148th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, Akpabio said parliamentary diplomacy remained vital to peace and conflict resolution.

He urged more commitment to the practice, noting that Nigeria had achieved successes through the concept but could do more.

He said the National Assembly had contributed to reducing polarisation and promoting peace through legislation.

The Senate President also said the parliament had gone beyond legislation by mediating between non-governmental organisations, labour unions and government.

Sharing the initiatives of the 10th National Assembly, Akpabio told world leaders that collective voices were critical in shaping the future.

“We stand at a pivotal moment in history, an intersection where the choices we make and the words that we speak, have the potential to positively shape the future of a world in constant crisis,” he said.