No state borrowing to pay salaries anymore – Akpabio
Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has praised President Bola Tinubu’s management of the economy, asserting that no state government in Nigeria is currently borrowing funds to pay salaries, a situation he attributed to the fiscal discipline and economic reforms of the administration.Akpabio made these remarks on Tuesday during his welcome-back speech to lawmakers as they resumed plenary following an extended recess.
He commended the President’s approach to the economy, stating: “I can confidently assert that due to the efforts of President Bola Tinubu and his team, no state government at this time is borrowing to disburse salaries. Thus, we extend our commendation to the administration.”
The Senate President lauded what he referred to as the “effective economic strategies” of the Tinubu government, indicating that the fiscal reforms have boosted revenue generation and reinstated investor confidence in vital economic sectors.
He mentioned that the upper chamber would continue to endorse policies that enhance the lives of Nigerians while upholding its independence and oversight function over the executive.
He pledged that the Senate would hold the executive accountable, stating: “The Senate will support every policy that uplifts our citizens, but where policies threaten them, we will not hesitate to advocate on their behalf.”
Akpabio also reminded his peers that their return to plenary occurred at a time when citizens are facing insecurity, soaring living costs, and hunger, emphasizing that Nigerians are seeking real outcomes, not mere talk.
He elaborated on the gravity of the hunger crisis, noting: “More than 33 million Nigerians are experiencing acute food insecurity, a situation that requires immediate legislative intervention in agriculture, irrigation, rural infrastructure, and mechanization. Hunger cannot be eradicated through mere words; it demands policy, budgeting, and determination,” he asserted.
The Senate President urged senators to recommit themselves to national service, warning against the escalating trend of political theatrics.
He advised his colleagues to avoid placing politics above governance, saying: “Leadership is not a festival, and governance should not be a platform for performances. Let no one confuse the nation’s future for a play, nor equate applause with real accomplishments,” he cautioned.
Akpabio also called for enhanced cooperation between the legislature and executive to address national challenges, including insecurity, power shortages, and deteriorating infrastructure. He stressed the importance of constitutional reform, the deepening of democracy, and ensuring that public resources benefit the populace, rather than personal interests.
He articulated the nature of the relationship the Senate intends to preserve with the executive, stating: “Our interaction with the Executive shall be direct and resolute, neither excessively subservient nor obstructive.”
He wrapped up his address by stating: “We must continue to uphold the Senate’s independence, the dignity of this chamber, and the supremacy of the Constitution that governs us all.”
As the Senate embarks on its legislative responsibilities, Akpabio urged his colleagues to make the 10th Senate a representation of integrity and change: “Let this Senate be remembered as a catalyst for national transformation, a stronghold of democracy, and a symbol of hope,” he stated.
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