Former Senator representing Kaduna Central, Shehu Sani, has urged members of the National Assembly to put Nigeria’s interest above partisan politics, warning that history will remember them for the courageous stands they take on national issues rather than the number of bills they sponsor.
Speaking on Tuesday at the National Assembly Open Week in Abuja, Sani charged lawmakers to prioritise the country’s welfare in all legislative decisions, saying leadership is ultimately measured by integrity, patriotism and service to the people.
He described the annual Open Week as a bold democratic initiative that promotes transparency, accountability and public participation by allowing Nigerians to interact directly with their elected representatives and better understand the workings of parliament.
“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,” he said.
Addressing serving lawmakers, the former senator reminded them that their legacy would not be defined by elections won or oversight functions carried out, but by the positions they take when the nation’s future is at stake.
“We will not be remembered by the laws we passed or the oversight functions we performed. We will be remembered for the positions we took on matters of controversy and issues that were sensitive to our nation,” Sani declared.
He noted that while many lawmakers had come and gone, future generations would judge each parliamentarian by the impact they made and the principles they stood for.
Sani also urged Nigerians to defend the country’s image whenever it is unfairly portrayed abroad, insisting that Nigeria’s immense contributions to global peace and African liberation should never be forgotten.
“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.
Recalling Nigeria’s role during the Second World War and in peacekeeping missions across Africa, Sani said the country made enormous sacrifices in the service of humanity without demanding compensation.
He listed Nigeria’s involvement in military campaigns against Nazi Germany, Fascist Italy and Japanese imperialism, as well as peacekeeping operations in Congo, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Somalia and Sudan’s Darfur region.
He also highlighted Nigeria’s support for liberation movements that fought colonialism and apartheid across Southern Africa.
“For everything Nigeria has done for humanity, we have never asked for compensation. Should we sit back while people from countries that once colonised us label Nigerians as fraudsters, criminals and drug lords?” he queried.
The former lawmaker further reminded legislators that Nigeria’s democracy was won through years of struggle and sacrifice, urging them never to take democratic governance for granted.
“This democracy is a product of struggle and sacrifice. Many people protested against military rule, many went to prison and many paid the supreme price. We must never forget that,” he said.
Sani also acknowledged the enormous pressure lawmakers face from constituents, relatives and political associates, many of whom expect them to provide services beyond their constitutional responsibilities.
“It is not easy to serve in parliament. There are expectations from your family, your friends and your constituents. Whatever the challenges, every legislator must strive to make an impact and leave a lasting mark,” he added.
The National Assembly Open Week is an annual initiative aimed at promoting openness, transparency and citizens’ participation in the legislative process through exhibitions, interactive sessions and guided tours.
