By Abdullateef Bambgose
Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, on Saturday, declared that lawmakers must submit to divine authority in the exercise of their legislative duties, as he commissioned the National Assembly Chapel.
Speaking at the dedication ceremony, Senator Akpabio said while parliaments enact laws for a season, God remains the eternal lawgiver whose authority surpasses all human institutions.
He noted that unless the laws made by men reflect divine justice, they may command obedience, but will neither command reverence nor shape destiny.
The Senate president said the chapel represents more than a physical structure, describing it as a covenant that acknowledges the nation’s dependence on God.
He stressed that the strength of any nation lies not only in its democratic institutions, but also in its recognition and worship of divine authority.
Tracing the origin of the project, Akpabio recalled that the idea of a Christian Legislators Fellowship was conceived during the Sixth Assembly, at a time when there was no dedicated place of worship for Christian lawmakers.
According to him, legislators prayed in borrowed rooms and basements, while nurturing the vision of building a sacred space within the National Assembly Complex.
He revealed that when he assumed office as Senate president in the Tenth Assembly, the site designated for the chapel was overgrown and neglected. However, he said there was a collective resolve to ensure that delay and abandonment would not prevail over faith and commitment.
Akpabio described himself as a testimony of God’s grace, attributing the transformation recorded in Akwa Ibom State during his tenure as governor to divine intervention rather than personal achievement.
He expressed belief that his emergence as Senate president at this time was part of divine providence to complete the chapel project.
Quoting from the scriptures, including 1 Kings 8:27, 2 Samuel 7:13, and 1 Kings 8:29, the Senate president emphasized that while no building can contain God, dedicating a house in his name invites his guidance, wisdom and blessing. He added that except the Lord builds a house, the labour of the builders is in vain.
Akpabio paid special tribute to the First Lady, Oluremi Bola Tinubu, whom he described as “the Esther of our time,” for her support and for commissioning the chapel. He also acknowledged members of past and present Assemblies, as well as individuals who contributed financially and materially to the completion of the project.
The Senate president said the chapel would serve as a moral compass within the machinery of governance, where lawmakers would seek divine wisdom before deliberations and legislative actions. He affirmed that above every earthly authority stands the sovereignty of Almighty God.
He noted that the dedication came at a time when Muslims across the country are observing a sacred season of fasting and devotion, calling on Nigerians of all faith to unite in seeking God’s guidance, peace and blessing for the nation.
Akpabio concluded by praying for God’s protection and establishment over Nigeria, expressing hope that future generations would remember that in this era, lawmakers publicly affirmed their dependence on divine providence.
He declared that the chapel stands as Nigeria’s covenant with heaven and a lasting testimony that the nation places its trust in God.
