Leadership Is Not A Carnival” – Akpabio Addresses The Senate As Senator Natasha Resumes

On Tuesday, Senate President Godswill Akpabio delivered a compelling speech to the 10th National Assembly, stressing the importance of serious leadership with the words, “Leadership is not a carnival, and governance is not a stage for theatrics.” The session signaled the return to plenary duties after a recess, drawing attention to Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s comeback following her health-related break.

Akpabio spoke about Nigeria’s current struggles, including food shortages, security threats, and economic pressures. He mentioned recent incidents like the Kogi boat tragedy, the Katsina mosque attack, and the killing of forest guards in Kwara, calling for better coordination between federal and state governments to tackle flooding and banditry. “These events are not just news stories; they are pleas from our people for action,” he remarked, pushing for strong legislative changes.

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s return brought renewed energy to the chamber. Recognized for her work on gender equality and youth issues, her presence supported Akpabio’s call to focus on meaningful governance rather than empty displays. He urged lawmakers to see the Senate as a key driver of national progress, not a place for show.

As the 2027 elections near, Akpabio cautioned against political grandstanding, encouraging voters to choose leaders based on integrity and ability rather than popularity. “Let no one treat the nation’s future as a play, or mistake cheers for real success,” he advised. He committed to working with the executive in a balanced way, supporting helpful policies while challenging those that harm citizens.

Akpabio also highlighted the need to update the constitution to improve governance and inclusivity. “We must revise these changes to strengthen our federation and make democracy work better,” he said. The speech, greeted with applause, marks a turning point for Nigeria’s legislature as it addresses critical issues like food security and corruption. Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s return adds a strong voice to these efforts, aligning with Akpabio’s goals for a focused Senate.