At the 2024 Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Lagos, Senate President Godswill Akpabio emphatically rejected the notion of a coup as a solution to Nigeria’s challenges, urging the nation’s lawyers, citizens, and military to uphold democratic values.
He warned that military coups are not a viable solution to the nation’s challenges emphasizing that such actions would only strip Nigerians of their freedoms.
According to Akpabio the path forward lies in transforming minds and attitudes, rather than resorting to undemocratic measures. “Our strength lies not just in numbers but in our unity. We are a formidable force for positive change in Africa.
The Senate President called on legal professionals to embrace a forward-thinking approach, acknowledging the past while striving for a better future. He highlighted the importance of shifting mindsets and cultural paradigms, encouraging lawyers to be agents of transformation not only for Nigeria but for the entire world.
Akpabio invoked the legacy of civil rights leader Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., drawing a parallel between King’s vision for justice and his own dream for rebuilding Nigeria. He stressed the importance of national unity, urging Nigerians to remain committed to nation-building through integrity, courage, and dedication.
“The challenges we face—economic instability, social injustice, and political uncertainty—require bold action and resolute determination,” he stated. Akpabio also assured that the National Assembly remains committed to enacting laws that support national aspirations and foster progress.
He concluded with a powerful call for unity, stating, “There is no stain on our country that we cannot erase if we stand together in brotherhood.”
