President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has called on parliaments across the world to rise as defenders of peace, justice and humanity.
He made the call while addressing delegates at the 152nd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, IPU.
Speaking on the theme “Nurturing Hope, Securing Peace and Ensuring Justice for Future Generations,” Akpabio noted that the meeting comes at a time of increasing global tensions, with conflicts spreading across different regions and testing the resilience of nations and institutions.
Drawing from Nigeria’s experience in conflict management and nation-building, he stressed the critical role of legislatures, describing parliaments as the first hope of the masses and the conscience of the people.
He warned that no region is immune to instability, citing ongoing conflicts in parts of the Middle East, Europe and Africa, and called for a global shift in priorities.
According to him, the world must move away from war and focus on development.
Akpabio also highlighted the human cost of conflicts, noting that beyond casualty figures are broken families and devastated communities.
He therefore urged the international community to reject a world where power determines justice.
The President of the Senate further called on the IPU to play a more decisive role in strengthening global institutions, particularly the United Nations, while also amplifying the voices of vulnerable nations.
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s readiness to work with the international community to build a world where hope, peace and justice endure.
Earlier in her remarks, the President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, Tulia Ackson, who also serves as Speaker of the National Assembly of Tanzania, urged member parliaments to uphold their democratic responsibilities, strengthen international solidarity and act decisively in addressing rising global conflicts and inequalities.
She noted that the world looks to legislatures not only for laws, but also for leadership and moral clarity.
The Inter-Parliamentary Union, IPU is the global organisation of national parliaments, bringing together lawmakers from around the world to promote peace, democracy and sustainable development through dialogue, cooperation and parliamentary diplomacy.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
