Senate President Godswill Akpabio has called on Nigerian political parties to retain experienced lawmakers, warning that denying capable legislators re-election tickets could weaken the quality of lawmaking and democratic governance.
Akpabio made the call on Thursday while highlighting the importance of legislative experience and continuity in the National Assembly.
He argued that lawmakers who have acquired substantial knowledge of parliamentary procedures and national issues should not be pushed out of the legislature after a short period in office because of political considerations.
According to him, political parties should prioritise competence, experience and contributions to national development when deciding which candidates to field for elections.
The Senate President made the remarks while acknowledging the contributions of Senator Francis Faduyile, a professor and former president of the Nigerian Medical Association, whom he described as an experienced professional capable of making meaningful contributions to legislative activities.
“It is not good for a senator to serve in the Senate for only one year and then leave. Political parties must take a closer look at their decisions, particularly when dealing with serious-minded individuals who can make meaningful contributions to legislation and national development,” Akpabio said.
He maintained that experienced lawmakers could strengthen parliamentary debates, improve the quality of legislation and help the National Assembly respond more effectively to Nigeria’s challenges.
To support his argument, Akpabio pointed to the United States Senate, where some lawmakers have served for decades, building extensive institutional knowledge and legislative expertise.
He cited former US Senator Robert Byrd, who represented West Virginia for 51 years, and former President Joe Biden, who served as a senator for Delaware from 1973 to 2009.
“That is the kind of experience we are talking about,” he said.
Akpabio also stressed that legislative positions should not be treated as political rewards, insisting that the primary consideration should be the ability of lawmakers to contribute to good governance.
“The Senate is not a place for sharing political largesse,” he declared.
He acknowledged that political dynamics within individual states could influence decisions on candidates but urged party leaders to recognise the institutional benefits of retaining effective legislators.
The Senate President cited Akwa Ibom State as an example, saying he had expressed appreciation to the governor for supporting the return of three senators to the National Assembly.
Akpabio further linked the importance of legislative experience to the quality of laws enacted by parliament, arguing that effective governance depended significantly on sound legislation.
“It is a serious matter because the quality of our laws determines the quality of governance,” he said.
He urged senators to ensure that laws passed by the National Assembly addressed the needs and aspirations of Nigerians, adding that the legislature must remain a central institution in the country’s democratic system.
The Senate President also referenced the recent Senate debate on the decriminalisation of suicide, noting that the attention it attracted on social media reflected growing public interest in parliamentary proceedings.
He encouraged lawmakers to use such public engagement as an opportunity to improve debates and ensure that legislative decisions reflected the public interest.
Akpabio congratulated senators on their legislative activities and urged them to return to their respective committees to continue deliberations on pending matters.
