Nigeria’s political and spiritual leaders gathered at the National Assembly on Sunday to commission the legislature’s first Christian chapel, emphasizing repentance, unity, patriotism, and God-guided lawmaking. The ceremony was attended by the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, ministers, diplomats, and senior clerics, highlighting the moral responsibilities of lawmakers serving over 200 million Nigerians.
Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Hassan Kukah, reminded legislators that their authority is temporary while God’s is eternal. “All lawmakers must have humility, because the eternal lawmaker is God himself,” Kukah said, urging laws that reflect unity and shared humanity.
Godswill Akpabio described the chapel as a covenant between lawmakers and God. He noted that the facility was funded entirely by past and present lawmakers, not public money, and stressed the importance of competence and patriotism in leadership.
Former House Speaker Yakubu Dogara cited 2 Chronicles 7:14, emphasizing that national revival requires repentance and unity. Former Head of State Yakubu Gowon called on lawmakers to prioritize love across religious lines, stressing that national unity must transcend faith differences.
Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu highlighted the chapel as a symbol of accountability to God, quoting Psalm 127:1: “Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain.” He reminded legislators that political strategy alone cannot solve Nigeria’s complex challenges.
The commissioning of the chapel marks a historic moment for the National Assembly, reinforcing the principle that moral and spiritual guidance can complement governance. Leaders collectively urged lawmakers to let ethical and spiritual considerations guide legislation for the nation’s progress and stability.
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