National Assembly accountable to God, says First Lady
First Lady Oluremi Tinubu yesterday urged members of the National Assembly to remain conscious of their ultimate accountability to God as they discharge their legislative duties. Speaking at the dedication
- Lawmakers chapel inaugurated
First Lady Oluremi Tinubu yesterday urged members of the National Assembly to remain conscious of their ultimate accountability to God as they discharge their legislative duties.
Speaking at the dedication and commissioning of the National Assembly Chapel in Abuja, she reminded Christian legislators, and by extension all lawmakers, that while they legislate for the people, they would give account to God for their actions.
The event drew prominent dignitaries, including former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu, former Speaker Yakubu Dogara, and Catholic Bishop of Sokoto, Matthew Hassan Kukah, among others.
The chapel’s foundation was laid during the eighth Assembly, but was left uncompleted until the 10th Assembly revived and delivered the project.
Senator Tinubu described the occasion as deeply significant to her, recalling her 12 years as a legislator when Christian lawmakers held fellowship in committee rooms due to the absence of a dedicated worship space.
“This occasion is quite significant for me, not only as a Christian, but as a former legislator who only had weekly fellowship in one of the committee rooms.
“I was a legislator for 12 years, and to actually see this vision come to fruition gladdens my heart, and I thank God and give Him all the glory for making it possible,” she said.
She added: “This chapel stands as a testament that while we legislate for the people, we are ultimately accountable to God.
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“Today, I pray the prayer of King Solomon during the dedication of the temple of God in 2 Chronicles 6:39.
“As we dedicate this chapel today, may it inspire in the leadership courage in decision making and compassion in service and may Nigeria continue to flourish as we collectively seek the face of God in worship and prayer in Jesus name.”
Akpabio urged Nigerians to rise above religious sentiments in leadership recruitment, stressing competence and capacity to deliver democratic dividends.
He said: “We gather here in humility, knowing that while men legislate for a season, God legislates for eternity and unless the laws of men reflect the justice of God, they may command obedience, but they will never command reverence nor shape destiny.
“Let us, therefore, bow before the Supreme Lawgiver, the One whose statutes do not expire, whose judgments do not err, and whose authority no power on earth can overrule.”
Deputy Speaker Kalu said the commissioning of the chapel signified that lawmakers do not make laws alone but under divine authority.
“As we make laws for over 200 million Nigerians, we do not do so alone. We do so in the presence of the Almighty, under whose sovereign authority every human institution exists,” he said.
He described the Christian Legislators Fellowship as a conscience within the legislature, adding: “In chambers where debate can become combative, and politics can become consuming, the Fellowship has kept alive the reminder that we are first and foremost accountable to a higher calling.
“This Chapel is the physical expression of that accountability. It is a place where a senator burdened by the weight of a difficult bill may kneel in prayer; where a representative wrestling with conscience may find clarity.”
Kalu stressed that Nigeria needs legislators who pray and seek divine wisdom beyond partisan calculations.
Former Head of State Gen. Gowon urged lawmakers to prioritise national unity in their legislative duties.
He said they must ensure that all their actions are guided by the best interests of the country.
Gen. Gowon emphasised that the law of God is rooted in love; love for God and love for neighbour.
He called on lawmakers to imbibe that spirit in their legislative duties.
“As lawmakers, you have the obligation of loving one another and ensuring the continuity of the country for which we shed our blood,” he said, expressing hope that the chapel would rekindle commitment to unity.
“Love must be used to ensure the unity and continuity of this nation. God loves us all, and we must love one another,” he said.
Former Speaker Dogara called for national repentance and forgiveness, noting that God places the condition for national healing on repentance.
“Let us be a House of prayer,” he urged.
Bishop Kukah delivered the exhortation, while prayers were offered for Nigeria, the National Assembly and the Church by various Christian leaders.
Among dignitaries present were former National Chairman of the PDP, Senator Barnabas Gemade; Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Wale Edun and his wife; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; Head of Service of the Federation, Wilson Jack; Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele; Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Kingsley Chinda; and Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, among others.
The National Assembly mosque was inaugurated last year by Vice President Kashim Shettima to take care of the spiritual needs of Muslim lawmakers.
