…Senate President urges Nigerians to reject tribalism, religious division
…Says 27 years of uninterrupted democracy must be protected
…Cites 4.43% Q2 GDP growth, student loans, road projects, gas investments
By Seun Ibiyemi
President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has assured Nigerians that the country will overcome its current security and economic challenges and emerge as a peaceful and prosperous nation.
Akpabio gave the assurance at an inter-denominational church service held at the National Christian Centre, Abuja, to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
In a speech titled “Keeping Faith with Nigeria,” the Senate President acknowledged the difficulties confronting Nigerians, including insecurity, hardship and challenges affecting farmers, but called for unity, patriotism and collective action to overcome them.
He urged Nigerians to reject tribalism, bitterness and religious division, stressing that the future of the country depended on citizens’ willingness to work together despite their differences.
«“We want to see a peaceful Nigeria. We want to see a prosperous Nigeria,” Akpabio told the congregation.»
‘Let the angel awaken our nation’
Drawing from the biblical account of Prophet Zechariah, Akpabio challenged Nigerians to reflect on what they wanted to see in the country despite the challenges.
He said the nation needed to be awakened from indifference to the suffering of others and from practices that undermine national unity.
“Let the angel awaken our nation once more. Awaken us from indifference to our neighbours’ suffering; awaken us from excusing wrong when it serves our interests; awaken in us a patriotism measured by service to one another and our country,” he said.
Akpabio urged Nigerians to demonstrate greater commitment to one another and the nation, quoting the biblical passage: “Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.”
The Senate President also acknowledged the difficulties associated with the economic reforms being implemented by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He said the reforms had required difficult decisions and recognised that many families had borne significant burdens as a result.
However, Akpabio urged Nigerians to continue supporting the administration as it seeks to translate Nigeria’s economic potential into lasting development.
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He cited Nigeria’s 4.43 per cent economic growth recorded in the second quarter of 2026, student loan initiatives, ongoing road projects and fresh investment decisions in the gas sector as indications of progress.
Akpabio said the developments demonstrated the potential for the country to achieve stronger economic growth if the reforms were sustained.
Akpabio also reflected on Nigeria’s democratic journey, noting that the country had maintained uninterrupted civilian rule since 1999.
He described the 27-year period as an achievement that should be protected and strengthened.
According to him, democracy can only endure when elections are credible, institutions are respected and those exercising political power remain accountable to citizens.
«“Democracy endures when elections are credible, institutions are respected and power remains answerable to the people,” he said.»
He urged Nigerians to continue to promote peace and unity while working to protect democratic institutions.
Also speaking at the service, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, thanked God for guiding Nigeria through decades of sacrifices, challenges and triumphs.
The inter-denominational service brought together government officials, religious leaders and other Nigerians as the country marked 66 years of independence.
Akpabio’s message centred on the need for Nigerians to look beyond present difficulties, reject divisive tendencies and collectively work towards a more peaceful and prosperous country.
