Shehu Sani asks lawmakers to prioritize the nation over politics

Former senator for Kaduna Central, Shehu Sani, has urged members of the 10th National Assembly to put Nigeria's interest first instead of party politics. He believes that history will judge lawmakers based on their actions on key national issues rather than the number of laws they pass.

Mr Sani made these comments on Tuesday in Abuja during the National Assembly Open Week. This yearly event aims to boost public engagement with lawmakers. It allows citizens to meet directly with their representatives and learn more about how parliament works.

At the event, the former senator said the program is an important step for democracy. It promotes transparency and accountability by opening up the legislature to the people. He noted that this initiative helps citizens better understand how laws are made, how oversight is done, and how elected officials perform their duties. He said these interactions help close the gap between lawmakers and the public while building trust in democratic institutions.

Mr Sani also reminded current lawmakers to think about the long-term effects of their choices. He believes that a true legislative legacy is not about how many motions are raised or bills are sponsored. It is about having the courage to tackle tough and important issues facing the nation.

"For those of us who want to be in parliament, this is a key moment in our lives. We will not be remembered for the laws we made. We will not be remembered for the oversight we carried out. We will not even be remembered just because we won elections and served here. We will be remembered for the positions we took on controversial issues and those that matter to our nation," he stated.

According to the former senator, many lawmakers have served in the National Assembly over the years. But only those who stood up for justice, unity, and the people's welfare will be remembered in history. He reminded lawmakers that their time in office is short, but their actions will leave lasting impacts on how future generations view Nigeria’s democracy.

Additionally, Mr Sani called on Nigerians to defend the country’s image when it is unfairly criticized abroad. He insisted that despite negative stereotypes, Nigeria has made significant contributions to global peace, security, and the fight for freedom across Africa and beyond.

He recalled Nigeria’s historical role, mentioning the sacrifices of Nigerian soldiers during World War II. These soldiers fought alongside Allied forces against Nazi Germany, Fascist Italy, and Japanese imperialism. He also pointed out Nigeria’s leadership in peacekeeping in several African nations, including Congo, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Somalia, and the Darfur region of Sudan. He highlighted Nigeria's support for liberation movements against colonialism and apartheid in Southern Africa.

Mr Sani argued that these contributions often go unrecognized. He insisted that Nigerians must reject narratives that label the country only by crime or fraud. He questioned why countries that once colonized Africa and caused suffering now portray Nigerians negatively, despite Nigeria's ongoing commitment to global peace and humanitarian efforts.

"For everything Nigeria has done for humanity, we have never asked for compensation. Tell me one country that has made such sacrifices. Should we sit back while people from countries that once colonized us label Nigerians as fraudsters, criminals, and drug lords?" he asked.

Looking back on Nigeria’s democratic journey, Mr Sani reminded everyone that the current system came after years of fighting against military rule. He noted that many pro-democracy activists faced imprisonment, persecution, and even death in their struggle for civilian governance. He stressed that these sacrifices should not be forgotten.

The former senator also recognized the heavy burdens that come with being a lawmaker. He said lawmakers often deal with high expectations from their constituents, families, and political allies. Many Nigerians expect legislators to resolve personal and community issues that go beyond their responsibilities or available resources. He mentioned that while some think that being in politics means wealth, some lawmakers leave office worse off financially than when they started.

Despite these challenges, Mr Sani encouraged National Assembly members to stay true to serving the public. He urged them to make sure their time in office leaves a lasting and meaningful impact.

The National Assembly Open Week takes place every year to encourage openness, transparency, and accountability within the legislature. The program includes public meetings with lawmakers, tours of parliamentary facilities, and discussions to help citizens understand legislative processes better while strengthening democratic governance.