Akpabio harps on parliamentary diplomacy for global peace

Pof the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has said parliamentary diplomacy is critical to conflict resolution and achievement of peace globally.

Speaking at the 148th Assembly of the Inter- Parliamentary Union and Related Meetings in Geneva, Switzerland, yesterday, the former governor of Akwa- Ibom maintained that without parliamentary diplomacy it will be an uphill task to resolve conflicts and achieve peace in the world.

A statement by his Special Assistant on Media ( Print), Jackson Udom quoted Akpabio to have called for more progress in parliamentary diplomacy, noting that though the Nigerian parliament has explored the concept and achieved a myriad of successes, more can still be done.

According to him, “the parliament in Nigeria has played a crucial role in curbing polarisation and ensuring peace through legislation.”

Apart from the legislative function, Akpabio said the legislature also “employs mediation to address conflicts between non- governmental organisations and the government, as well as disputes involving labour unions.”

The number three citizen, who shared the progress and initiatives of the 10th National Assembly under his leadership, said it has become imperative for the world to recognise the power of collective voice in shaping a better future for all, as it is at a critical juncture in history.

He said: “We stand at a pivotal moment in history, an intersection, where the choices we make and the words that we speak, have the potential to positively shape the future of a world in constant crisis. “Therefore, we lend the voice of our country to the patriotic call for collective action to address the challenges facing our wonderful world.”

The Senate President highlighted other areas where the “Nigerian parliament has made and continues to make great achievements, including evaluation of political appointees based on merit, and in strict adherence to the

Constitution rather than bias, based on political party affiliation, gender, religion, race, or ethnicity, and holding government agencies accountable through investigative and public hearings, among other measures.”