Senate President Godswill Akpabio recently stated that the legislature is meant to serve the public rather than isolate them from democratic activities. During the opening of the National Assembly Open Week in Abuja, he emphasized that the institution belongs to the Nigerian people whose votes authorized its formation.
Akpabio clarified that elected officials do not own the parliament. Instead, it serves the millions of citizens who provided the mandate for its operation. The primary goal of the National Assembly, he noted, is to foster public involvement in governance. He stated that the legislature was designed to include citizens, asserting that democracy thrives when the public is informed and active.
The Open Week initiative aims to improve public understanding of legislative duties and bolster trust in democratic systems. This program offers citizens a chance to look past media summaries and observe how their aspirations influence lawmaking. Encouraging direct engagement, Akpabio highlighted that constructive feedback and participation are essential for improving parliamentary effectiveness. He concluded by reiterating that the legislative process must ensure that every Nigerian, regardless of their location, remains fairly represented and heard.
