Former Kaduna Central senator, Shehu Sani, has challenged members of the 10th National Assembly to rise above partisan politics and make history by taking courageous positions on issues affecting the nation.
Sani reminded lawmakers that they would ultimately be remembered not for the number of bills they sponsored or oversight functions they performed, but for the principles they defended while in office.
Sani stated this in Abuja on Tuesday at the National Assembly Open Week, an initiative designed to deepen citizens’ engagement with the legislature by giving Nigerians direct access to lawmakers and the parliamentary process.
He described the programme as an important democratic platform that enables Nigerians to interact with their elected representatives, understand how laws are made and observe the legislature’s oversight responsibilities.
This idea is novel because it gives Nigerians the opportunity to meet with their elected representatives, interact with them and have a first-hand experience of what is happening in the Nigerian parliament. It is democracy at work. It allows the people to see how their laws are made and how an important arm of government carries out its oversight responsibilities,” he said.
Turning to lawmakers, Sani urged them to recognise the historical significance of their offices and the legacy they would leave behind.
“For those of us who aspire to be in parliament, this is an important event in our lives. We will not be remembered by the laws we passed. We will not be remembered by the oversight functions we performed. We will not even be remembered simply because we won elections and served here. We will be remembered for the positions we took on matters of controversy and issues that were sensitive to our nation,” he said.
There are thousands who served before us and have left, and there will be many more after us. We will not always be here, but our children and future generations will remember us by the mark we made in this parliament.”
The former senator also called on Nigerians to defend the country’s image whenever it is unfairly portrayed abroad, arguing that Nigeria’s contributions to global peace, freedom and stability have often gone unrecognised.
“Nigeria is a great country, and we should be proud of it. Whenever people try to criminalise our country, you must stand tall and defend the dignity and integrity of Nigeria,” he said.
Sani highlighted Nigeria’s contributions during the Second World War, its role in peacekeeping operations across Africa, and its support for liberation movements against colonialism and apartheid.
He noted that Nigerian troops participated in campaigns against Nazi Germany, Fascist Italy and Japanese imperialism during the war, while post-independence Nigeria played leading roles in peace missions in Congo, Tanzania, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Somalia and Darfur, as well as supporting liberation struggles in Southern Africa.
“For everything Nigeria has done for humanity, we have never asked for compensation. Tell me one country that has made such sacrifices. Should we sit back while people from countries that once colonised us and inflicted suffering on our people label Nigerians as fraudsters, criminals and drug lords?” he asked.
He also reminded lawmakers that Nigeria’s democracy was built on years of struggle and sacrifice, stressing that many Nigerians paid the ultimate price to end military rule and restore democratic governance.
This democracy is a product of struggle and sacrifice. People protested against military rule. Many went to prison, and many lost their lives. We must never forget that,” he said.
Sani acknowledged the enormous pressures associated with legislative office, saying many lawmakers face unrealistic expectations from constituents, relatives and political associates.
“It is not easy to serve in parliament. There are expectations from your family, your friends and your constituents. Many people believe you should enrich them or provide things beyond your constitutional powers and available resources.
“There are people who came into this parliament wealthy and left poorer than when they arrived. There are people whose lives became more difficult because they served here. That is the reality.
“Whatever the challenges, every legislator must find his place and strive to make an impact. You must struggle through the turbulence of the Nigerian state and ensure your contribution leaves a lasting mark,” he added.
The National Assembly Open Week is an annual initiative aimed at promoting transparency, accountability and public participation in the legislative process. The programme brings lawmakers and citizens together through public engagements, interactive sessions and guided tours of parliamentary proceedings, as part of efforts to strengthen confidence in the legislature and deepen democratic governance.
