Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, on Tuesday urged members of the National Assembly of Nigeria to remain conscious of their ultimate accountability to God as they carry out their legislative responsibilities.
She spoke at the dedication and commissioning of the newly completed National Assembly Chapel in Abuja, reminding Christian lawmakers — and by extension all legislators — that while they make laws for the people, they will ultimately answer to a higher authority.
“This chapel stands as a testament that while we legislate for the people, we are ultimately accountable to God,” she said.
Describing the event as deeply significant, Senator Tinubu recalled her 12-year tenure in the National Assembly, during which Christian lawmakers held fellowship meetings in committee rooms due to the absence of a dedicated worship space.
“To see this vision come to fruition gladdens my heart,” she said, offering prayers that the chapel would inspire courage in leadership and compassion in service.
The chapel’s foundation was laid during the eighth Assembly but remained unfinished until the 10th Assembly revived and completed the project.
The ceremony drew prominent dignitaries, including former Head of State, Yakubu Gowon; Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu; former Speaker Yakubu Dogara; and Catholic Bishop of Sokoto, Matthew Hassan Kukah.
Akpabio emphasised that while lawmakers enact laws for a season, “God legislates for eternity,” urging Nigerians to prioritise competence and capacity over religious sentiments in leadership selection.
Deputy Speaker Kalu described the chapel as a physical symbol of lawmakers’ accountability to divine authority.
“As we make laws for over 200 million Nigerians, we do not do so alone. We do so in the presence of the Almighty,” he said, adding that the Christian Legislators Fellowship serves as a moral compass within the legislature.
Former Head of State Gowon called on lawmakers to prioritise national unity, stressing that the law of God is rooted in love — for God and neighbour alike.
“Love must be used to ensure the unity and continuity of this nation,” he said, urging legislators to act in the country’s best interest.
Dogara, in his remarks, called for national repentance and forgiveness, saying healing and restoration require sincere reflection and change.
The inauguration of the chapel follows the commissioning of the National Assembly Mosque last year by Vice President Kashim Shettima to serve Muslim lawmakers.
The dual facilities underscore efforts to cater to the spiritual needs of legislators across faith lines within the National Assembly complex.
Prayers were offered for Nigeria, the legislature and the Church, with Bishop Kukah delivering the exhortation at the ceremony attended by top government officials and political leaders.
Speakers at the event expressed hope that the chapel would foster moral reflection, strengthen unity and inspire lawmakers to uphold integrity in service to the nation.
