Fatimah Otunsanya
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.
“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.
