Lawmakers must avoid self interest in lawmaking – Sani

Former Senator representing Kaduna Central, Shehu Sani, has urged members of the National Assembly to avoid making laws that serve personal interests rather than the good of Nigerians.

Sani gave the advice on Tuesday while speaking at the 2026 National Assembly Open Week.

According to him, no elected official remains in office forever, stressing that lawmakers should use their positions to make a positive impact that people will remember long after they have left office.

He said lawmakers would not necessarily be remembered for the number of laws they passed or the oversight functions they carried out. Instead, he noted that history would judge them by the positions they take on important and controversial national issues.

Sani described serving in parliament as a rare opportunity and urged lawmakers to leave behind a legacy of courage, integrity and patriotism.

He pointed out that many legislators had served in the National Assembly in the past and many more would serve in the future, but only those who made meaningful contributions would be remembered.

The former senator also called on Nigerians to be proud of their country and defend its image whenever it is unfairly criticised.

He said Nigeria has played a significant role in promoting freedom, peace and human dignity across Africa and beyond, adding that citizens should continue to uphold the nation’s integrity and reputation.