Akpabio urges global parliaments to champion peace, justice amid rising conflicts
President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has called on parliaments worldwide to rise to their responsibility as defenders of peace, justice, and humanity, warning that escalating global conflicts require urgent
President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has called on parliaments worldwide to rise to their responsibility as defenders of peace, justice, and humanity, warning that escalating global conflicts require urgent and collective action.
Akpabio made the appeal while addressing delegates at the 152nd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, where he underscored the critical role of legislatures in promoting stability and safeguarding democratic values.
Speaking on the theme, “Nurturing hope, securing peace and ensuring justice for future generations,” he noted that the gathering was taking place against the backdrop of rising global tensions, with conflicts spreading across regions and testing the resilience of nations and institutions.
“I bring you warm greetings from the resilient people of Nigeria—a nation that has learned that peace is not inherited; it is built, defended, and sustained,” he said.
Drawing from Nigeria’s experience in conflict resolution and nation-building, Akpabio described parliaments as “the first hope of the masses” and “the conscience of the people,” stressing that lawmakers must take the lead in advancing peace and justice.
He warned that no region is immune to instability, citing conflicts across the Middle East, Europe, and Africa, and called for a decisive shift in global priorities.
“It is time to turn from destruction to construction and redirect the instruments of war toward the work of development,” he said.
Highlighting the human cost of war, Akpabio noted that beyond casualty figures are shattered families and devastated communities, urging the international community to reject a system where power overrides justice.
“This is not merely a crisis of security—it is a crisis of leadership. Might must not be mistaken for right, and weakness must never justify injustice,” he added.
Quoting civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr., he reminded delegates of humanity’s shared destiny and called for collective global action to secure a more peaceful future.
Akpabio also challenged the IPU to play a more decisive role in strengthening global institutions, particularly the United Nations, and in amplifying the voices of vulnerable nations in the international system.
In his closing remarks, he urged a renewed global commitment to peace and justice.
“Let this moment mark a turning point—a covenant not just with our people, but with posterity,” he said, reaffirming Nigeria’s readiness to collaborate with the international community in building a world anchored on hope, peace and justice.
Earlier, President of the IPU, Tulia Ackson, called on member parliaments to uphold democratic principles, strengthen international solidarity and act decisively in tackling rising global conflicts and inequalities.
Ackson said the world looks up to legislatures not only for lawmaking but for leadership and moral clarity, urging parliamentarians to rise to the challenges of the times.
The IPU, a global organisation of national parliaments, promotes peace, democracy and sustainable development through dialogue, cooperation and parliamentary diplomacy.
