Nigeria’s political and spiritual leaders on Sunday gathered at the National Assembly, Abuja, to commission the legislature’s first-ever Christian chapel, using the historic occasion to call for repentance, national unity, patriotism, and God-guided lawmaking.
The high-profile ceremony attracted top government officials, senior clerics, diplomats, and lawmakers, including the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
The event underscored the growing call for moral leadership and spiritual accountability in governance, particularly as Nigeria grapples with economic hardship, insecurity, and political tensions.
“The Eternal Lawmaker is God” — Kukah
Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Hassan Kukah, reminded lawmakers that their authority is temporary, stressing that true power belongs to God.
“All lawmakers must have humility, because the eternal lawmaker is God himself,” Kukah said.
He urged legislators to enact laws that promote justice, unity, and shared humanity, warning against policies driven by division, selfishness, or political hypocrisy.
Akpabio: Chapel Symbolises Covenant with God
Senate President Godswill Akpabio described the new chapel as a spiritual covenant between lawmakers and God, emphasizing the need for divine guidance in legislative duties.
“While men legislate for a season, God legislates for eternity,” Akpabio said.
He clarified that the chapel was funded through voluntary contributions from past and present lawmakers, not public funds, and urged Nigerians to prioritize competence, integrity, and patriotism in leadership selection.
Dogara: National Revival Begins with Repentance
Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, emphasized repentance and unity as critical steps toward national renewal.
Quoting 2 Chronicles 7:14, he warned that the chapel’s significance would be meaningless without genuine unity and moral transformation among lawmakers.
Gowon: Love Must Rise Above Religious Differences
Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (rtd.), congratulated the National Assembly and called on leaders to put national unity above religious and ethnic divisions.
“God commands us to love one another. We must use this opportunity to strengthen the unity and continuity of our nation,” Gowon said.
Kalu: Chapel Reminds Leaders of Divine Accountability
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, said the chapel serves as a constant reminder of lawmakers’ accountability to God and the Nigerian people.
Quoting Psalm 127:1, he stated:
“Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labour in vain,” stressing that political strategies alone cannot resolve Nigeria’s deep-rooted challenges.
A Historic Moment for the National Assembly
The commissioning of the Christian chapel marks a historic milestone in the legislative arm of government, reinforcing the growing belief that moral and spiritual guidance must complement policy and politics in steering Nigeria toward national stability and progress.
