By By Elizabeth Ugbo
Tinubu, National Assembly Leaders Meet in Abuja
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu met with leaders of the National Assembly of Nigeria on Tuesday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. The meeting followed the resumption of plenary after a short legislative recess.
The discussion focused on the national budget and proposed constitutional amendments, including the creation of state police. Senate President Godswill Akpabio also urged Nigerians to engage their elected representatives on national issues.
The meeting took place around 3:30 pm and lasted about 30 minutes. However, officials did not disclose the details afterward.
Akpabio Highlights Importance of National Budget
During plenary, Akpabio described the national budget as a key instrument that reflects Nigeria’s development priorities.
According to him, the budget goes beyond numbers. Instead, it represents the nation’s policy direction and aspirations.
“The national budget is the great ledger of national purpose. It translates the hopes of millions into public policy,” Akpabio said.
He explained that the document shows where government plans to invest resources and what future leaders want to build.
Furthermore, he urged lawmakers to treat the budget as a declaration of national intention.
Call for Citizens to Engage Lawmakers
Akpabio encouraged Nigerians to actively engage their elected representatives.
He noted that democracy works best when citizens communicate their concerns directly to lawmakers.
According to him, representation remains the foundation of democratic governance.
“Engage your representatives. Bring your concerns to those elected to speak on your behalf,” he said.
He added that such engagement helps transform grievances into policies and solutions.
Senate Described as “Workshop of Solutions”
Akpabio also addressed the growing influence of social media in shaping national conversations.
However, he stressed that legislative processes remain essential for solving national problems.
According to him, the Senate focuses on practical solutions rather than political noise.
“The Senate is not merely a theatre of debate. It is a workshop of solutions,” he said.
He explained that while social media amplifies emotions, lawmakers must pursue concrete policy outcomes.
Tinubu Pushes for State Police
Meanwhile, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu continues to push for constitutional amendments to establish state police.
During a Ramadan Iftar with senators on February 25, he asked lawmakers to begin discussions on the proposal.
The president argued that state police would improve security across the country.
“Start thinking about how best to amend the constitution to incorporate state police,” Tinubu told lawmakers.
He also asked the House of Representatives of Nigeria to ensure safeguards prevent abuse by state governors.
Earlier, Tinubu made similar remarks during separate Iftar meetings with governors and lawmakers.
National Assembly Resumes After Budget Defence
Both chambers of the National Assembly of Nigeria resumed plenary on Tuesday at 11:00 am.
Lawmakers had earlier postponed their February 24 resumption date. The delay allowed committees to complete budget defence sessions with ministries, departments, and agencies.
Soon after the plenary session, top legislative leaders visited the Presidential Villa.
Those present included Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, and Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma.
However, they left the Villa without speaking to journalists.
