The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has urged members of the National Assembly to prioritize the collective good of Nigerians over divisive issues that breed animosity and discrimination.
In a statement issued in Abeokuta, Ogun State, NANS emphasized that elected representatives must focus on national matters that directly affect citizens’ well-being rather than personal vendettas that risk undermining the Senate’s integrity and the nation’s unity.
The statement, signed by NANS National President Comrade Oladoja Olushola and National Public Relations Officer Comrade Samson Adeyemi, was a response to recent exchanges in the Senate between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan over allegations of sexual harassment.
The statement, titled Refocusing Legislative Efforts on Delivering Good Governance to Nigerians, expressed concern over the increasing trend of personal attacks and political rhetoric dominating Senate proceedings.
It called for a shift in focus, especially as the federal government works on reshaping the nation’s economic future, reducing inflation, and fostering social harmony.
NANS reaffirmed the vital role of lawmakers in advancing good governance, emphasizing that Senators must adhere to decorum and the rule of law in their conduct. The statement warned against allowing the reputation of the National Assembly to become a subject of ridicule on the international stage.
NANS stressed the importance of prioritizing national unity and the collective welfare of Nigerians over conflicts that deepen divisions. While acknowledging the leadership of Senate President Akpabio, the student body urged lawmakers to protect the integrity of the legislative process.
The statement also encouraged the Senate to take disciplinary action against any Senator found guilty of amplifying divisive issues, and urged all parties involved in the ongoing case to refrain from comments that could inflame public sentiment.
NANS further called for continued collaboration between the National Assembly and the Presidency, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to ensure that the country benefits from the dividends of democracy.
The statement concluded with a call for calm, restraint, and renewed efforts toward peacebuilding in the pursuit of national progress.
