Southern Lawmakers’ Summit in Abeokuta: Building Bridges, Renewing Hope & Reimagining Nigeria’s Unity

IN the historic city of Abeokuta, Ogun State, the rhythms of political discourse reverberated once again as distinguished former lawmakers from Nigeria’s southern region gathered for the 2025 Summit of Former National Assembly Members. Far from being a mere reunion, the event evolved into a serious reflection on Nigeria’s fractured journey, a passionate call for unity, and a renewed pledge to stand as custodians of the nation’s democratic destiny.

With the theme, “National Unity: Bedrock of Nation Building”, the summit brought together some of Nigeria’s most prominent political voices, including the Chief of Staff to the President and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila; former Senate President, Ken Nnamani; and former Speaker, Yakubu Dogara. The gathering was a blend of nostalgia and urgency—a recognition that Nigeria’s unity remains the most important currency for its survival and progress.

A Communiqué of Commitment

At the end of the two-day deliberations, the forum, chaired by Senator Ken Nnamani, issued a communique that resonated with both candour and conviction. The former legislators pledged unwavering support for the government’s reforms while positioning themselves as a formidable advisory body committed to Nigeria’s progress.

They stressed the importance of closing the gaps between past and present lawmakers—a call for mentorship, institutional continuity, and stronger oversight functions in a democracy often criticised for its lack of depth.

The communique, signed by R. Osagie (Chairman of the Drafting Committee), Adeyemi Oluwole (Chairman of the Southern Caucus), and Israel Sunny Goli (Secretary), applauded the Tinubu administration’s reformist policies. Among the initiatives highlighted were:

• The establishment of Regional Development Commissions.

• Autonomy for local governments.

• The Student Loan Scheme.

• Deregulation of the electricity sector.

Femi Gbajabiamila: “Unity Must Be a Lived Reality”

For Femi Gbajabiamila, the convener of the summit, the gathering was not partisan theatre but a serious attempt to build bridges across divides. His address was both philosophical and practical.

“Today,” he declared, “the Federal Government is no longer paying inflated subsidy claims that benefit only a tiny minority. Every Nigerian child today is guaranteed tertiary education courtesy of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND). With tax reforms now law, a new era of fairness and accountability has begun.”

Gbajabiamila painted the reforms as hard choices borne out of clarity of vision, tying them to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. But he also stressed that reforms alone were not enough; national unity must underpin every effort.

“To build a Nigeria where unity is a lived reality—where our diversity is our greatest strength—is the ultimate task before us,” he said, urging Nigerians to rise with a renewed determination to make the idea of being Nigerian a badge of pride.

A Forum Beyond Politics

Participants praised Ogun State for hosting the event, describing the summit as a milestone in bridging understanding across political divides. The tone was markedly conciliatory, with repeated emphasis that the forum was not about partisanship but about nation-building.

Hon. Raphael Nnanna Igbokwe, the National Coordinator of the National Forum of Former Legislators, underscored the federal government’s reformist agenda as a potential game-changer for regional development. He, however, cautioned that federal efforts alone would not suffice. “State governments must step up, complement these initiatives, and sustain them for the benefit of citizens,” he said.

A Renewed Role for Former Lawmakers

In an era where political actors often recede into irrelevance after leaving office, the summit positioned former lawmakers as elder statesmen ready to guide Nigeria’s fragile democracy. Their message was clear: unity, inclusiveness, and economic revival must form the tripod of Nigeria’s next chapter.

As one participant noted, “Legislators do not retire; they remain custodians of the people’s trust.” The summit therefore offered a reminder that Nigeria’s political journey requires not only active officeholders but also the wisdom of those who have walked the corridors of power.

Looking Ahead

The Abeokuta summit closed with optimism but also with sobering realism. Nigeria’s challenges—security, restructuring, economic reforms, and governance—remain daunting. Yet the gathering underscored that dialogue, inclusiveness, and collaboration remain the surest path to progress.

In the words of Senator Ken Nnamani, “Unity is not just a theme—it is the bedrock upon which we must rebuild Nigeria. Without it, there is no nation to govern, no democracy to deepen, no prosperity to share.”

As the former lawmakers dispersed from Abeokuta, their pledge lingered: to continue building bridges across divides and to stand as a collective conscience reminding Nigeria of its unfinished journey toward national unity and shared prosperity.