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365 Days Of Akpabio’s Legislative Diplomacy And The Renewed Hope Agenda
By Jackson Udom
When the Nigerian Senate elected Godswill Obot Akpabio CON, as its Primus Inter Pares on June 13, 2023, not a few Nigerians expressed excitement at his emergence as President of the Senate and Chairman of the National Assembly of Nigeria.
The reason for that excitement was not far to seek. Many people knew that in Akpabio, the Senators had elected a ranking legislator with rich experience in governance, lawmaking and diplomacy.
For those who know, the job of the legislature transcends the popular functions such as lawmaking, vetting of budgets, confirming executive appointments and serving as a watchdog on the Executive and the Judiciary.
In fact, functional legislatures the world over, have been known to set the pace and hold the aces with regards to the socio-economic development of their countries because they explore the limitless opportunities presented by Legislative Diplomacy, which has to do with the process of creating and negotiating laws, regulations and policies at the international level, involving diplomatic efforts and cooperation among nations.
Legislative Diplomacy aims to harmonise legal frameworks, promote consistency, and address global challenges through collaborative lawmaking.
This all-important function of the legislature has come to assume such a great place in the life of Nation-States that lawmakers are seen as not only passive individuals making the laws to underpin developments but as active statesmen at the vanguard of making development happen.
Scholars all over the world have argued that individual members of the House and Senate have been known to frequently travel overseas on congressional delegations to confer with foreign leaders, investigate problems that arise, promote the interests of their countries and constituents, and even represent the president.
With the intentions of promoting global governance, enhancing economic cooperation, protecting human rights and the environment, combating transnational crimes and facilitating international trade and investments, among others, Legislative Diplomacy presents great imperatives for the socio-economic development of any Nation-State.
The recognition of these imperatives made millions of Nigerians to celebrate the emergence of Godswill Akpabio as President of the Senate, having known his pedigree as a technocrat, who ventured into public administration and demonstrated a passionate commitment to the development and socio-economic uplift of, first, Akwa Ibom State, where he was governor for eight years and later, Nigeria, which he has served in different capacities as Senate Minority Leader, Minister and now President of the Senate.
Indeed, Akpabio and Legislative Diplomacy seemed to have been made for each other. As the number one lawmaker in Nigeria, he has proven beyond a doubt that Legislative Diplomacy comes easy and can achieve greater mileage in the hands of individuals of his ilk, as his personality, carriage and candour have, no doubt helped the nation in achieving unprecedented results in terms of economic growth and rebuilding the trust reposed in Nigeria by countries and international organisations in just 12 months of his leadership of the National Assembly.
As it is known that Legislative Diplomacy requires effective communication, negotiation, and collaboration among governments, international organisations, and stakeholders to shape global legal frameworks and address shared challenges, Senator Akpabio’s adept skills, honed in his years as a corporate lawyer and his immense experience garnered in the corridor of power have been brought to bear, as he has succeeded in breaking barriers and making lasting impacts in attracting socio-economic developments to Nigeria through parliamentary diplomacy.
One of the obvious successes of the President of the 10th Senate in the area of Legislative Diplomacy was his attendance at the Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly in Luanda, Angola, where he was elected into the Executive Committee of the IPU thus breaking a 59-year-old jinx. Nigeria was last elected into the Committee 59 years ago. He also participated at the IPU in Geneva, Switzerland, where he presented a paper asking the world to speak against the needless bloodletting in Gaza and save the innocent women and children from avoidable deaths.
Senator Akpabio has, also in the last one year as the Senate President, engaged in diplomatic courtesies with foreign missions in Nigeria, demanding collaborations with Nigeria on the economy, security and power and also seeking partnership with sister Parliaments across the globe for world peace and development.
As evidence of his credentials as a legislative diplomat, the IPU nominated the Senate President and 15 others as Preparatory Committee for the Sixth World Conference of Speakers of Parliament coming up in August 2025.
In line with the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Akpabio’s Legislative Diplomacy has seen him court friends in different countries of the world, seeking partnerships and collaborations to improve security and peace in Nigeria, which without a doubt, is central to the socio-economic development and the progress of the country.
Through different fora and platforms, the Senate President has used the weapon of Legislative Diplomacy to the greatest advantage of Nigeria and Nigerians, seeking fresh opportunities and friendships for the country and building on the framework of renewed hope and vision of President Tinubu across different sectors.
For instance, it is on record that the Senate President met with the President of the Serbia Parliament, Ms Ana Brnabic in London, calling for Parliamentary Collaboration between the Nigerian Parliament and its Serbian counterpart and also extensively discussing issues of mutual interests between the two countries.
At another meeting with the members of the Saudi Arabia/Nigeria Parliamentary Friendship Group, led by Dr Abdullah Bin Hamad Al-Salamah, the President of the Senate called on the Government of Saudi Arabia to assist Nigeria in the fight against insurgency and trans-border terrorism, through sharing of intelligence.
On economic partnership, Akpabio rallied the Saudi Arabia delegation, saying: “Our relationship today has gone beyond pilgrimages and oil because Nigerians are now studying and working in Saudi Arabia in various spheres of human endeavours. The mutual economic ties and benefits are worth commending, especially in the aviation sector.
“In your search for economic partners, I want you to take Nigeria as a major partner. We solicit for more investments from you in the area of Oil, Gas and ICT. We would be happy for your collaboration with OPEC because if you assist OPEC, you are helping Nigeria and the black race to secure and prevent influx of immigrants.”
Akpabio had also, at another diplomatic engagement, urged the German Government to collaborate with Nigeria in the areas of economy, security and power in order to enhance the socio-political development of Nigeria.
He made this call when he received the German Ambassador to Nigeria, Annette Gunther. He told his august visitor that Nigeria was looking for partnership and guidance from Germany in the area of security and power generation and that the country would want to improve on the existing relationship between it and Germany,
“The Nigerian Parliament would be very glad to join the President Bola Tinubu-led administration to improve on that relationship. Anything we need to do in terms of legalising or in terms of legislation to make most of the policies and programmes that you are embarking on with the government possible, would be done. We want more German companies to join those that are already here,” Akpabio said.
Today, as a testament to the cordial relationship between the executive and the legislature as well as the combination of President Tinubu’s savvy in foreign relations and Akpabio’s Legislative Diplomacy, the Nigerian economy has received a huge boost, with international agencies and countries reposing a greater trust and confidence in Nigeria’s ability to beat its challenges.
On the African sub-regional and international scenes, President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda as it relates to Nigeria’s foreign policy and relations have received a major boost, as Akpabio’s Legislative Diplomacy has not only helped the country to speak with one united voice that Nigeria is resolute in its bid to reclaim its pride of place as an emerging world power and a big brother in Africa, who would do everything to entrench peace and democracy in West Africa.
In a similar vein, Senator Akpabio also⁰ aligned his diplomacy with President Tinubu in seeking world peace, knowing well that it is only when there is peace in the world that Nigeria will be able achieve its socio-economic aspirations.
A case in point was when he lent his voice to the call for the restoration of lasting peace to war-torn Gaza, making passionate appeals for nations to rise above sentiments and invoke the spirit of humanity, by doing all it requires to bring sustainable peace to the region.
In his passionate commitment to growing the country’s economy in tandem with the vision of the President, the Akpabio-led National Assembly did not limit its focus to relationships with countries’ parliaments and Heads of Government but also international organisations, daily preaching the message of Nigeria’s socio-economic emancipation.
One of such organisations canvassed by the Senate President was the World Trade Organisation, where Nigeria’s delegation to the 148th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), led by him, sought the collaboration of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in the area of Digital and Marine economies.
According to him, “we used our attendance at the IPU to pay a courtesy visit to one of Nigeria’s very costly exports to the world, Dr Ngozi Okonjo Iweala; the Director General of the WTO. We came to thank her for the job she is doing for the world and thank her staff for supporting and standing by her to succeed. We, in Nigeria, are very proud of her.
“We had discussions on the various developmental programmes of the WTO and we noticed that there were spaces where Nigerians can become major players. We discussed issues affecting trade back home in Nigeria and ways in which the National Assembly can assist in removing barriers, through legislation for the benefit of our people.
“We also talked about the issue of regulations concerning Digital economic contents, illegal fishing along the coastal states of Cross River, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Bayelsa states. How Nigerian women could benefit from the recent program funded by the organisation was also discussed. The establishment of a Digital trade portal, wherein all trade information could be accessed by our people topped our discussion with the WTO.
“The deliberations were fruitful and we are confident that with our support in all of these, Nigerians would be the better for it.”
Speaking on what could be the direct gains of Legislative Diplomacy, Senator Akpabio once described his election into the Executive Committee of the Inter-Parliamentary Union as an enormous opportunity for Nigeria, saying his election would impact positively on the country through the creation of employment and developmental opportunities for young Nigerians, who are seeking to become diplomats.
“This will also attract foreign direct investments in the area of training and retraining and capacity building, not just for the legislature but for people who are in different fields. The benefits are enormous,” he added.
The Senate President had also indicated that his election was a major political victory for Nigeria, which has missed out at the decision-making table of the union for 59 years, stressing that the victory was symptomatic of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President, as it was wont to bring great hopes and opportunities to the country.
As espoused by advocates of Legislative Diplomacy, a legislator is more than a lawmaker; he is to be, for his country, a negotiator and a marketer, attracting global attention and navigating different issues to bring economic opportunities to his country. This much and more has been done by Akpabio in his less-than-one year of leadership and the expectations abound, as Nigerians begin to see the practical manifestations of his diplomacy in the months and years to come.
Udom is Special Assistant On Media (Print) To The President of the Senate
Says Nigeria A Wounded, Bleeding Nation In Need of Healing
Says God Weeping For Nigeria Because Of Corruption, Banditry, Terrorism, Bloodshed
The Catholic Archbishop of Abuja Diocese, Most Rev Ignatius Kaigama, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to deal decisively with insecurity in Nigeria, which, he said, has developed branches and spreading like a monster across the country.
Describing Nigeria as “a wounded and bleeding nation in need of healing”, he said all security operatives must restrategize in their approach to end the widespread insecurity in the country, while resources allocated to fight crimes in the country must be used honestly and transparently.
Kaigama stated these in an interview with journalists on the sidelines of a Chrism Mass held Our Lady Queen of Nigeria Pro-Cathedral in Abuja.
“The Chrism Mass gathers us priests as one presbyterate, one family of faith, around the Bishop, to bless the oils of the sick, the catechumens, and sacred Chrism, and for each priest to renew his priestly commitment as “alter Christus” – another Christ”, the cleric explained.
Kaigama said, “When the Catholic Bishop went to see him (President Bola Tinubu). We had to appeal to the President that they must rise to the occasion, and things are well.
“There was a time when it was only Boko Haram; another time it was militant herdsmen. Now, insecurity has diversified. Criminality has developed branches. It is a monster, spreading in all directions. There is a need for restrategizing. Whatsoever the security agencies are doing has worked to an extent, but there is no solution yet.
“There should be an inter-agency corporation. There should be no competition. All the security forces should go all out for criminals. These people are not ghosts.
“I am hoping that a new step will be taken. We insist that good work must be done. The resources voted for security must be used honestly and transparently.”
Earlier while delivering his message, Kaigama said not only are priests in need of healing, but the citizens and Nigeria need it too.
He said, “Our nation needs healing from the festering wounds inflicted by politics, and harsh economic realities that do not only result in crimes and violence but subsequently, to unsound minds of our dear young people. We continue to witness criminality that robs people of their lives which should be sacred.
“The brutal killings in Ondo, Uromi, Bokkos, and Borno; the several killings in Southern Kaduna including the cruel murder of a priest of Kafanchan diocese; the killings of some 16 soldiers recently, and many untold killings show a wounded and bleeding nation in need of healing.
“One can only imagine how many families are left devastated, traumatized, and broken severely. By now, one would think that with the combination of modern technology and non-kinetic methods, criminality would have been greatly reduced in Nigeria. The recurring violence in different parts of the nation is a sign of a nation in need of healing. How criminals known as “unknown gunmen,” kidnappers, terrorists, militant herdsmen, etc., are nearly never always apprehended and decisively dealt with is puzzling.
“They appear, kill, burn houses, and farms, injure people, and disappear, and only later to stage a comeback inflicting more damage than previously, costing innumerable loss of human lives. It appears that we have yet to get the right technology to hunt these criminals down, or is it the absence of goodwill or political will?
“We are not only spiritually sick but also economically, politically, and socially. We need individual and collective healing. Luke 19:41 tells us that as Jesus nears the city of Jerusalem, He pauses and weeps. His tears are not for Himself, but for Jerusalem, for those who will reject Him, for the destruction that will come upon them because they did not recognize the time of God’s visitation.
“What makes God weep for Nigeria? Corruption, banditry, terrorism, bloodshed, etc. Despite the strong presence and the external practice of Christianity and Islam, many, reject the truth of God’s word and choose to conceal it and not bear witness to it; we put people who speak the truth down; we refuse to be instruments of God’s love and mercy to others; we choose to live in sin rather than God’s grace and mercy. We place others on the cross by our hatred and rejection of them.”
By Israel Bulus, Kaduna
Prominent leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) under the Umbrella of the Southern Kaduna United Visionary Leaders have reiterated their unwavering commitment to the party, dismissing concerns over the growing presence of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the region.
The leaders made the declaration at an APC stakeholders’ meeting held in Chori, Jaba Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Addressing attendees, the host and Political Adviser to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Godfrey Ali Gaiya, praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani for promoting inclusive governance. He assured that the group would continue to rally behind the administration to strengthen APC’s political foothold in Southern Kaduna.
“Our goal is to make the APC not just popular but deeply rooted in Southern Kaduna through increased membership, quality representation, and strategic political appointments,” Gaiya said. He also called for unity and peaceful coexistence, noting that development thrives only in a stable and united environment.
In his address, Mr. Ado Dogo Audu, Chairman of the group and Counsellor on Political Affairs to the Governor, played down the perceived threat posed by the SDP in Zone 3 of Kaduna State. He said recent defections to the APC are a testament to the party’s people-centric policies at both state and national levels.
“APC’s inclusive structure continues to draw support from across the region,” Audu stated.
Echoing similar sentiments, Dr. Abdulmalik Durungwa emphasized the importance of deepening grassroots engagement, calling on members to make the party more visible and impactful at the community level.
Meanwhile, the National Secretary of the Renewed Hope Consolidation Mandate, Professor Dogara Matoh, urged party members to remain united and avoid divisive politics rooted in religion, ethnicity, or regionalism, especially as the 2027 elections draw nearer.
Highlighting the role of grassroots politicians, Mr. Rijo Shekari described local appointees—councilors and local government chairmen—as critical links between government and the people.
He urged them to constantly engage their constituents on government policies and developmental initiatives.
Engineer Joseph Chiroma advised party faithful to stay aligned with the party’s internal structures to avert internal conflicts. He also commended Elder Anthony Hassan for laying the groundwork for the establishment of the Federal University of Applied Sciences in Kachia, calling it a landmark achievement for the grassroots.
The meeting concluded with a renewed call for unity and proactive political mobilization as the APC intensifies efforts to consolidate its presence across Southern Kaduna.
The story with the caption, 25 Persons Killed, Scores Injured As Armed Herdsmen Attack Enugu Village is not only built on devious masturbatory hallucination, but completely false.
Agreed that lately marauding herdsmen have been running amok across the Country, invading towns and villages, and leaving a trail of sorrow, tears and blood in their path. However, there was no such invaders attack on the agrarian communities of Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area in Enugu State that left 25 persons dead.
This independent rebuttal of the falsehood targeted at diminishing the halcyon strides of Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah and the Enugu State Government in the area of Security is long overdue. We MUST not suffer ‘alarmists and fifth Columnists’ gladly. We have therefore chosen to debunk the devious falsehood of tale-mongers and bearers of false report and fake news.
Twice the false tale of marauding Herdsmen sacking communities in Enugu State have been bandied by those who are desperate to undermine the success of Enugu State in protecting lives and property. Not having any scores against the Enugu State Government in areas of Infrastructural Development, Education, Healthcare, Agriculture, and regarding facts about the profound strides of the Enugu State Government, naysayers have resorted to the Politricks Of Insecurity. They have chosen to hype isolated incidents and falsely alarm lovers of the State, Ndi’Enugu and Nigerians.
We, the Concerned Professionals For Good Governance (A Good Leadership Advocacy Group) upon seeing the news that has since gone viral regarding 25 Persons allegedly mowed down by Herdsmen in Enugu State proceeded to verify the news. We reached out to local Vigilantes, to Security Agencies as well as Agents of Government at the State and the Local Government level, sadly we found out that it was untrue. And we decided to query the possible reasons cum intention of the bearers of the false report and the fake news.
Enugu State has a premium time Digitalised Security Control Centre. Enugu State collaborates seamlessly with the Police, the Army and other Para-Military Agencies charged with the protection of lives and property. Enugu State is doing profoundly well in almost all the sectors of leadership, and Enugu State has become the go-to location for Corporate, Public Sector and Private Sector retreats and Conventions as well as Governmental events. It has become the shinning example in good governance. But Enugu State has also clearly become the envy of other States, such that Politicians seeking to diminish the laudable feats of Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah and His Team have resorted to the Politricks of fear-mongering and insecurity, but we shall not fold our hands and allow falsehood to stick.
Enugu State is arguably the safest State in the entire South, thanks to the commitment of the Enugu State to the protection of lives and property. This Truism have been attested to by Nigerians of different tendencies including friends and even members of Parties in the opposition in Enugu State. The commitment of the ebullient Governor of Enugu State to security is Olympic and indisputable, and not only is the State Government supportive of Security outfits with funding, the State has in place a Public and a Private Sector fueled fund to support Security Agencies in the furtherance of the Security of the State.
We can say without equivocation that Enugu State is safe and is deservedly emerging a preferred destination for investments, business, tourism, and living. It is proudly emerging a conferencing capital, ready and able to host tier one events such as the forthcoming NBA conference and Nigerian Guild of Editors Conference, among others. Ndi’Enugu are hospitable and willing to play host to legitimate institutions, as the State government in partnership with all available Security Agencies work seamlessly to guarantee peace and security in Enugu State.
We urge and encourage the media to always verify and validate information particularly issues bothering on Security before publication. That way, fake news on matters of Security will be shibboleth. And that way the Politricks Of Insecurity would cease to oil the frontiers of devious politics.
Enugu State is safe and will remain so, as the government is unalterably committed to the protection of lives and property.
Okechukwu Nwafor
Concerned Professionals For Good Governance. (A Good Leadership Advocacy Group).