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๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ฌ Nigeria /Elections & Politics

History will judge you by your stand, Shehu Sani tells lawmakers

From The Punch · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Former Nigerian Senator Shehu Sani urged lawmakers to prioritize courageous stands on national issues over partisan politics.
  • He emphasized that history remembers leaders for their principles during controversies, not just legislative achievements.
  • Sani also called on Nigerians to defend the country's image abroad, highlighting its contributions to global peace and stability.

Former Kaduna Central Senator Shehu Sani has challenged members of Nigeria's 10th National Assembly to distinguish themselves by taking principled stands on critical national issues, urging them to rise above partisan politics. Speaking at the National Assembly Open Week in Abuja, Sani stressed that lawmakers would be remembered not for the quantity of bills passed or oversight functions performed, but for the integrity of the positions they defended.

"We will not be remembered by the laws we passed. We will not be remembered by the oversight functions we performed," Sani stated. "We will be remembered for the positions we took on matters of controversy and issues that were sensitive to our nation." He highlighted the transient nature of political office, emphasizing that future generations would judge them by the lasting impact of their convictions.

We will not be remembered by the laws we passed. We will not be remembered by 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.

โ€” Shehu SaniUrging lawmakers to focus on principled stands over legislative output.

Sani described the National Assembly Open Week as a vital democratic platform, fostering citizen engagement and transparency in the legislative process. He noted its importance for Nigerians to interact directly with their elected representatives and gain firsthand understanding of lawmaking and oversight responsibilities.

Furthermore, the former senator implored Nigerians to actively defend their nation's image on the global stage. He argued that Nigeria's significant contributions to international peace, freedom, and stability, including its role in World War II and post-independence peacekeeping missions, often go unrecognized. "Nigeria is a great country, and we should be proud of it," he asserted. "Whenever people try to criminalize our country, you must stand tall and defend the dignity and integrity of Nigeria."

Nigeria is a great country, and we should be proud of it. Whenever people try to criminalize our country, you must stand tall and defend the dignity and integrity of Nigeria.

โ€” Shehu SaniCalling on Nigerians to defend their nation's reputation abroad.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.