Former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, has urged members of the National Assembly to prioritise courage, integrity and principle in the discharge of their legislative duties, saying history will remember them more for the positions they take on critical national issues than for the number of bills they sponsor or oversight functions they perform.
Sani made the call on Tuesday while speaking at the 2026 National Assembly Open Week in Abuja, where he challenged lawmakers to seize the opportunity of public office to leave a lasting legacy through principled leadership.
According to him, while lawmaking and oversight remain the core constitutional responsibilities of legislators, their true legacy would be defined by how they respond to moments of national importance.
“We will not be remembered by the laws we passed. We will not be remembered by the oversight functions we are able to perform. We’ll be most remembered by the positions we take on matters of controversy and issues that are sensitive to our nation,” he said.
He added that public office comes with a historic responsibility, stressing that legislators must be prepared to defend the public interest even when doing so requires difficult or unpopular decisions.
“There are thousands that have been here and have left, and there will be many more. We will not always be here, but we will be remembered by the mark we make,” he said.
The former lawmaker said Parliament remains one of the most important institutions in a democratic society and urged members to remain accountable to the people who elected them.
Sani also commended the National Assembly for sustaining the Open Week initiative, describing it as an important platform for promoting transparency and bringing the legislature closer to the Nigerian people.
“This idea is novel. It gives Nigerians the opportunity to meet with their elected representatives, interact with them and have a first-hand experience of what is happening in the Nigerian Parliament. This is democracy at work,” he said.
According to him, initiatives that encourage direct engagement between lawmakers and citizens are essential to strengthening public confidence in democratic institutions and improving accountability.
Beyond the legislature, Sani urged Nigerians to remain proud of their country despite its challenges, arguing that Nigeria’s contributions to global peace and the struggle against colonialism deserved greater recognition.
“Nigeria is a great country and we should be proud of it. Whenever people try to criminalise our country, you must raise your shoulder high and speak in defence of the dignity and integrity of your country,” he said.
He recalled Nigeria’s role in international peacekeeping operations and support for liberation movements across Africa, maintaining that the country’s sacrifices in promoting peace and freedom should not be overlooked.
The former senator also reflected on the sacrifices that paved the way for Nigeria’s democracy, noting that many citizens paid a heavy price during the struggle against military rule.
“This democracy is a product of struggle and sacrifice. People were on the streets protesting against military rule. People went to jail. Many were killed,” he said.
He acknowledged the enormous expectations placed on elected representatives, saying many lawmakers face pressure from constituents, relatives and associates to meet demands beyond the resources available to them.
“It is not easy to be in Parliament because there will be so many expectations from you. Expectations from family, expectations from friends who think you should enrich them, and expectations from constituents asking you to do what you don’t have the resources to do,” he said.
The former senator concluded by urging legislators to remain focused on making meaningful contributions despite the challenges of public office.
“Whatever it is, you must find your place. You must struggle within the turbulence and storm of the Nigerian state to make your own impact, and that impact should be felt,” he added.
The National Assembly Open Week is an annual initiative designed to promote transparency, accountability and public participation in the legislative process. It provides citizens with the opportunity to engage lawmakers, observe parliamentary activities and gain a better understanding of the work of the legislature in Nigeria’s democratic system.