Akpabio Back in Nigeria After Brief Vacation in London

Senate President Godswill Akpabio returned to Nigeria on Monday morning after a brief vacation in London.

Akpabio had earlier led a Nigerian delegation to the Sixth World Conference of Speakers of Parliament in Geneva, Switzerland, held from July 29 to 31, before proceeding to London for a short break.

He arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at about 4 a.m., where he was received at the Presidential Wing by senators, aides, and well-wishers.

Speaking with journalists on arrival, the Senate President promised Nigerians robust legislative engagements upon the resumption of Senate activities. He also defended the presence of a strong Nigerian delegation at the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly in Geneva, noting that parliamentary diplomacy remained vital to promoting peace and democratic governance.

At the 148th IPU Assembly and related meetings, Akpabio stressed that parliaments across the world must do more to advance parliamentary diplomacy in addressing conflicts. He explained that the Nigerian Parliament has played a critical role in reducing polarisation, mediating disputes, and fostering peace through legislation.

Highlighting the progress of the 10th National Assembly, Akpabio noted that parliamentary interventions had also helped resolve disputes involving civil society groups, labour unions, and government institutions.

“We stand at a pivotal moment in history, an intersection where the choices we make and the words we speak have the potential to positively shape the future of a world in constant crisis,” he said in his address to the assembly.