We invite Nigerians not merely to observe us, but to engage with us; not merely to applaud where they agree, but to challenge us where they believe we can do better.”
By Deborah Hassan
365Daily – President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has challenged Nigerians to actively engage the National Assembly and hold lawmakers accountable, saying democracy can only thrive when citizens participate in the legislative process.
Akpabio made the call on Tuesday while declaring open the National Assembly Open Week at the House of Representatives Chamber in Abuja, describing the initiative as a deliberate effort by the 10th Assembly to promote transparency, strengthen public trust and improve citizens’ understanding of the work of Parliament.
“We invite Nigerians not merely to observe us, but to engage with us; not merely to applaud where they agree, but to challenge us where they believe we can do better. A parliament that listens becomes wiser. A democracy that listens becomes stronger,” he said.
The Senate President said parliament exists to serve the people and should remain accessible to every Nigerian, irrespective of status or location.
“Parliament was never built to keep the people out. It was built to bring them in, for democracy flourishes only in the confidence of an informed and engaged citizenry,” he said.
According to him, the Open Week offers Nigerians an opportunity to look beyond political headlines and better understand the role of the legislature in shaping governance and national development.
“This Open Week invites Nigerians to look beyond the headlines and the soundbites, to see Parliament as the meeting point between the aspirations of the people and the responsibilities of government,” Akpabio said.
He added that openness in governance goes beyond granting public access to parliamentary proceedings.
“Openness therefore means more than allowing citizens to observe proceedings. It means assuring every Nigerian that no community is too remote, no voice too quiet, and no corner of this Republic too insignificant to deserve representation,” he stated.
In hos address, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, said the Open Week initiative was founded on the conviction that an open and responsive parliament is critical to strengthening democratic institutions and restoring public confidence in governance.
He said the programme would provide a platform for meaningful engagement between lawmakers, citizens, civil society organisations and the private sector, while showcasing the legislative activities of the 10th National Assembly.
The three-day event features policy dialogues, exhibitions and stakeholder engagements aimed at bridging the gap between Parliament and the Nigerian public while promoting accountability, transparency and inclusive lawmaking.