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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
BY ANKELI EMMANUEL, Sokoto
The Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) in charge of zone 10 comprising Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara States Gyogon Augustine Grimah has directed commissioners of police under his zone to ensure adequate security measures in their respective domains before and after the Easter celebration.
Grimah, in a release by the zone 10 Public Relations Officer DSP Uthman Muhammad Yaqub appealed to all and sundry to cooperate with security agencies to enable them serve them well.
The release read in parr, “”Zone 10 headquarters under the leadership of AIG Gyogon Augustine Grimah psc,FCAI, wish to inform the members of the public particularly those residing in Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara states, that it has made adequate security arrangements that will ensure the protection of lives and properties before, during and after the Easter celebrations.
“”AIG zone 10 headquarters, directed the three commissioners of police Commanding Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara Police states Commands to emplace adequate security measures that will ensure smooth and hitch free celebrations. Intelligence gathering apparatus of the zone has also been directed to actively generate actionable intelligence that could assist in mitigating any form of threats””.
While wishing Christian faithfuls a happy Easter celebration, the AIG, Grimah enjoined all of them to seize the moment and pray for continues peaceful coexistence in the zone and beyond.
By Israel Bulus, Kaduna
The Kaduna State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called on Christians and all residents of the state to use the Easter season to reflect on the virtues of peace, unity, and sacrifice, as demonstrated by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
In a statement issued on Sunday by its Chairman, Sir Edward Percy Masha, the PDP extended warm greetings to Christians across the state and Nigeria, describing Easter as a season of hope, renewal, and triumph over adversity.
“Easter reminds us of the triumph of light over darkness, life over death, and most importantly, of love, peace, and unity among all people,” Masha said.
He noted that the message of Easter was especially significant at a time when Kaduna State is grappling with economic hardship, political tension, and persistent security threats, particularly in vulnerable communities.
“These are trying times for our dear state. We urge all citizens to remain steadfast in faith, committed to peace, and united in the pursuit of a better future. No matter our religious or ethnic backgrounds, we must come together to pray for Kaduna and Nigeria,” he added.
The PDP also called on residents to pray for divine intervention in addressing the state’s worsening socio-economic and security challenges.
“We believe in the power of collective prayers and unity,” the statement continued.
“Kaduna must rise above the tide of division, insecurity, and underdevelopment. Only with sincerity of purpose and inclusive leadership can we achieve that.”
“This Easter should inspire our leaders to embrace sacrificial service. Jesus gave His life to save others — that’s the true test of leadership,” he said.
“We must put aside politics and speak as one voice against the suffering of our people.”
The PDP reaffirmed its commitment to the people of Kaduna, assuring that it would continue to advocate for good governance, equity, and development. he concluded.
A new terrorist group known as Mahmuda has emerged in Nigeria’s North Central region, launching deadly attacks on communities surrounding the Kainji Lake National Park (KLNP), according to local sources and a report by Sahara Reporters.
The group, which operates with impunity in the national park spanning Kwara and Niger states, has besieged villages in Kaiama and Barutein Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Kwara, as well as Babana and Wawa districts in Borgu LGA, Niger State. On Wednesday, Mahmuda militants attacked a vigilante group in Kemanji, Kwara, killing over 15 vigilantes and villagers, a source confirmed.
“They call themselves the Mahmuda group. Their leader, in a voice note, is threatening all the communities. They kill, kidnap victims, and demand ransom,” a local source told Sahara Reporters.
The KLNP, covering 3,970.29 square kilometres, has become a haven for the militants, who reportedly displaced park rangers over five years ago.
Sources trace the group’s origins to Mokwa LGA in Niger State, from where they were expelled by former Governor Muazu Babangida Aliyu, who accused them of being Boko Haram affiliates.
The group then relocated through various regions, including Kaduna State, before entrenching themselves in the KLNP.
A recent audiotape from the group’s leader suggests they are a moderate Islamist sect that splintered from the extremist Boko Haram faction led by Abubakar Shekau.
The militants, who primarily speak Hausa, identify as the Mahmuda or Mallam Group and claim to be jihadists promoting Sunni Islam.
The Mahmuda group has imposed a reign of terror on local communities.
Herders pay dues to graze cattle, farmers pay levies to access farmland allocated by the militants, and residents are forced to work on the group’s farms as “sadaka” (charity).
The militants also kidnap locals for ransom, mount illegal roadblocks, and regulate social activities, banning alcohol sales and smoking while settling community disputes.
“They preach Islamic ethics, urge disloyalty to the Nigerian state, and insist disputes be reported to them,” a source said, adding that the group is recruiting locals as informants.
Unconfirmed reports suggest the militants are engaged in illegal mining within the park and threaten herbalists suspected of aiding vigilantes.
In a bid to consolidate control, the group has expelled bandits from the park, kidnapping or executing their collaborators after collecting ransoms.
The rise of Mahmuda highlights Nigeria’s growing insecurity, with ungoverned spaces like the KLNP enabling militant groups to thrive.
Loggers, fishermen, and hunters exploit the park’s resources, with some loggers reportedly negotiating with the militants to harvest trees, providing the group with revenue.
“The surge of insecurity in Nigeria is a source of concern due to its destructive impact on livelihoods,” a source noted.
“New militant groups continue to emerge and occupy ungoverned spaces.”
Locals suspect the authorities are aware of the group’s activities but have failed to act, possibly due to the militants’ sophisticated weaponry. Vigilante groups, frustrated by the lack of security intervention, have resorted to collaborating with Mahmuda to rescue kidnapped victims, further complicating the situation.
The Mahmuda group’s control over a vast swathe of Nigerian territory underscores the challenges facing the country’s security forces. With communities living at the mercy of the militants, the group’s blend of coercion, religious rhetoric, and economic exploitation poses a significant threat to stability in the region.
As Nigeria grapples with this emerging menace, questions remain about the group’s true origins and affiliations. Some locals speculate the militants may have ties to groups from Benin or Niger Republic, while others see parallels with Boko Haram’s tactics. Further investigation is needed to unmask this faceless group and address the crisis in the KLNP.