The Nigerian Senate has announced plans to formalize the annual Presidential address on June 12, Nigeria’s Democracy Day, in recognition of its national and historical significance.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central) said a bill is underway to institutionalize the tradition of the President addressing a joint session of the National Assembly on June 12 every year.
“We are hoping to bring a bill soon to institutionalize the President’s address on June 12 because of its historical importance,” Bamidele said. “There can’t be a better time to address the nation through the parliament than on June 12, especially since it is a joint sitting of the National Assembly.”
The proposed legislation will also include a provision to make the National Assembly complex the designated venue for presidential swearing-in ceremonies going forward. According to Bamidele, “We are hoping, in that bill, to ensure that the swearing-in ceremony of the next President and Commander-in-Chief of Nigeria, whom we believe is President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, will hold within the arcade of the National Assembly.”
June 12 was declared Nigeria’s official Democracy Day in 2018 in honor of the annulled 1993 presidential election, won by the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola, widely regarded as the freest and fairest in Nigeria’s history.
This year, President Bola Tinubu is expected to address a joint session of the Senate and House of Representatives at the National Assembly complex, Abuja.
The Clerk of the House of Representatives, Dr. Yahaya Danzaria, previously confirmed that the joint sitting would hold at 11:00 a.m., with President Tinubu arriving by noon to deliver his speech. The event will also feature goodwill messages from former presiding officers and the conferment of national honors on select legislators.
Senator Bamidele further disclosed that the Senate is considering extending the capital expenditure implementation timeline for the 2024 budget. “We will extend the capital expenditure timeline while ensuring the 2025 budget is fully implemented,” he noted.
Addressing constitutional reforms, Bamidele—who also serves as Vice Chairman of the Constitution Review Committee—acknowledged delays but assured the public that progress is being made.
He revealed that nearly 70 percent of the work has been completed and that zonal public hearings would soon be held, leading to a joint public session by both chambers.
“Before the end of the third legislative year, we intend to complete the constitutional amendment process,” Bamidele stated.
What you should know
The Senate is preparing a bill to institutionalize the President’s June 12 address and designate the National Assembly complex as the venue for future presidential inaugurations. This move seeks to honor Democracy Day and reinforce the importance of legislative engagement in national discourse.
