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By Tracy Moses
Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, on Sunday reminded members of the National Assembly that beyond their constitutional mandate to legislate for over 200 million Nigerians, they remain ultimately accountable to God for every decision they take and every law they enact.
She gave the admonition at the dedication and commissioning of the National Assembly Chapel, built by the National Assembly Christian Legislators Fellowship within the precincts of the federal legislature in Abuja.
Describing the occasion as historic and deeply personal, the First Lady recalled her 12-year tenure in the Senate, noting that Christian lawmakers previously held weekly fellowship in committee rooms due to the absence of a dedicated place of worship within the complex.
“This occasion is quite significant for me, not only as a Christian, but as a former legislator who only had weekly fellowship in one of the committee rooms. To see this vision come to fruition gladdens my heart, and I give God all the glory,” she said.
She, however, urged lawmakers not to lose sight of their spiritual responsibilities while discharging their constitutional duties.
“As you make laws for the people, remember that you are ultimately accountable to God. Every decision you take, every vote you cast, and every law you enact carries eternal consequences,” she admonished.
Drawing inspiration from 2 Chronicles 6:39–40, the First Lady prayed that every supplication offered in the Chapel would be heard and that the facility would nurture humility, moral courage and compassion among leaders.
“As we dedicate this Chapel today, may it inspire humility in leadership, courage in decision-making and compassion in service. May Nigeria continue to flourish as we collectively seek the face of God in worship and prayer,” she added.
In his remarks, Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, described the commissioning as more than the unveiling of a physical structure, calling it a spiritual milestone for Nigeria’s democracy. He stressed that governance must be anchored on conscience and guided by divine wisdom.
“While men legislate for a season, God legislates for eternity. Unless the laws of men reflect the justice of God, they may command obedience, but they will never command reverence nor shape destiny,” Akpabio said.
Also speaking, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, said the Chapel represents a declaration that lawmakers do not legislate alone but under the sovereign authority of God.
According to him, the Christian Legislators Fellowship has long served as a moral compass within the legislature, especially when partisan interests threaten national interest.
“This Chapel is the physical expression of that accountability. It is a place where a senator burdened by a difficult bill may kneel in prayer; where a representative wrestling with conscience may find clarity; where the noise of politics gives way to the stillness of God,” Kalu stated.
Former Head of State, Yakubu Gowon, urged lawmakers to prioritise national unity in their legislative responsibilities, expressing hope that the Chapel would rekindle renewed commitment to cohesion and love among political leaders.
In his goodwill message, former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, emphasised repentance and forgiveness as prerequisites for national healing, stressing that divine intervention in national affairs is often contingent upon sincere repentance.
The exhortation at the event was delivered by the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto, Matthew Hassan Kukah, while prayers were offered for Nigeria, the National Assembly and the Church by various Christian leaders.
The project, first conceived during the Sixth Assembly and with its foundation laid in the Eighth Assembly by Dogara, was completed under the current leadership of the National Assembly.
The ceremony attracted prominent political figures, religious leaders and senior government officials, underscoring what speakers described as the enduring intersection of faith and public service in Nigeria’s democratic process.