ABUJA – The Senate reconvened on a mournful note on Tuesday, with the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, reminding colleagues of the tragic abduction of teachers and school children in Oyo State.
Akpabio who addressed an unusually scanty red chamber that had not up to fifty lawmakers in attendance, lamented that Nigeria remains in captivity as long as the school children and their teachers are kept by the kidnappers.
Welcoming senators after the long recess, he expressed confidence that the legislative holiday which coincided with the Salah celebration by Muslim faithful inspired lawmakers to recommit to what he described as “the solemn responsibilities entrusted to us by the Nigerian people.”
Accordingly, he said “the season was a reminder of the enduring virtues of faith, sacrifice, compassion, and service—values that must continue to guide our conduct.”
On the Oyo abduction, the Senate President lamented, “We resume our work under the mournful shadow of a tragedy that has shaken our nation. The abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State is not merely an attack on innocent citizens; it is an assault on our collective humanity.
“We mourn because if we cannot protect our children we imperil our future. We mourn because a nation that cannot guarantee the safety of its teachers weakens the very foundations upon which education rests.”
He continued, “As we return to our constitutional responsibilities, I pray that Almighty God grants us wisdom and good health for the task ahead. For we are not merely representatives of constituencies, but custodians of the hopes and aspirations of Nigerians who look to this Senate for the realisation of a greater nation.
“I congratulate political parties that recently concluded their primaries and internal democratic processes. I felicitate those who have secured the mandate of their parties to seek elective office. I know that there will always be victories and disappointments.
“Yet above every individual triumph stands the greater triumph—the triumph of democracy itself.”
“And we mourn because, for as long as those children remain in captivity, our nation remains captive with them.
“Today, we grieve the loss of two dedicated educators: Mr. Michael Oyedokun, who died in captivity, and Mr. Adesiyan Adegboye, who lost his life during the attack.
“We also mourn the child whose life was cut short before its promise could be fulfilled. We share the pain of the bereaved families. Their loss is our loss. Their sorrow is our sorrow.
“Their pain is our pain. Yet even in the midst of grief, we remain hopeful that, through the determined efforts of the government and our security agencies, those still in captivity will be safely rescued and reunited with their loved ones.
“On behalf of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved families, the affected school community, and the government and people of Oyo State.
“May I now respectfully request that we rise and observe one minute of silence in honour of the departed.
“Distinguished colleagues, at moments such as these, there is a temptation to divide, to accuse, and to seek advantage from tragedy. Politicians and aspirants must resist that temptation for such cheap publicity.
“Those who kidnap our children, terrorise our communities, and murder innocent citizens do not distinguish between party, faith, or ethnicity.
“Their assault is directed against Nigeria itself. Therefore, our response must be equal to the challenge. We must stand united, firm, and resolute.
“Let us continue to support every lawful and necessary measure to strengthen security, protect our schools, safeguard our communities, and ensure that every bandit faces the full weight of justice.
“The challenge before us is real. But so too is the courage of our people, the resilience of our institutions, and the enduring promise of Nigeria. Let us therefore approach the days ahead with collective resolve. Let us differ honestly, but remain united in our devotion to Nigeria.
“Let us continue to conduct ourselves with dignity so that future generations will say that when Nigeria faced difficulty, this Senate did not falter; when leadership was required, this Senate did not shrink; and when duty called, this Senate answered.
“With faith in God, confidence in our country, and determination in our purpose, I welcome you back to the service of our great country, Nigeria.”
