Senate President Godswill Akpabio emphasized the importance of parliamentary diplomacy for global peace at 148th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union. He highlighted its role in conflict resolution and urged for more progress, citing the initiatives of the 10th National Assembly.
He said;
“We stand at a pivotal moment in history, an intersection where the choices we make and the words 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.
“Nigeria has stunning kaleidoscopic diversity and a vibrant heritage. The obverse side of this diversity is that Nigeria often faces the tragedy of commons where individuals and groups act in their self-interests, leading to the decline of shared resources. The government, with the support of the Parliament, has embarked on efforts to strengthen peace, collaboration, and unity. However, we are aware that the specter of polarization along political, ethnic, gender, religious, or racial lines is a global menace that requires the concerted efforts of all governments and non-government organizations to overcome.
“In Nigeria, our Parliament plays a crucial role in curbing polarization and ensuring peace and progress legislation. One notable legislation milestones in Nigeria was the passage of the ‘Not Too Young to Run’ Bill in 2018, which aimed to widen the horizon for youth and women to actively participate in governance.”
“Nigeria has also actively contributed, with the support of Parliament, to international peace and support of Parliament, to international peace and security deploying troops for peace keeping missions across Africa and beyond.”
“Nigeria’s bicameral parliament plays a significant role in conflict prevention and resolution through regional parliamentary forums, fact-finding missions to conflict areas, and addressing cross-border issues related to refugees, arms smuggling, and war-related criminal activities.”
Parliamentary friendship groups strengthen ties between parliaments of different countries and promote gender mainstreaming, democracy, and good governance. Preventive diplomacy is a powerful instrument for conflict prevention and peace mediation.”
“Therefore, we engage in dialogue with foreign states to integrate peace-building into treaties and the constitution. The establishment of the National Center for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons demonstrates Nigeria’s commitment to combating insecurity by curbing the circulation of illicit arms in West Africa.”
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