In a legislative move aimed at deepening democratic traditions, the Nigerian Senate has announced plans to sponsor a bill mandating the President’s annual address to a joint session of the National Assembly on June 12—Democracy Day.
This development comes as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu prepares to formally address the 10th National Assembly on Wednesday, marking the first such engagement since his inauguration. Although he appeared before lawmakers in 2024 for the rendition of the reinstated national anthem, he did not deliver an official address.
Senate Leader, Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, disclosed the planned legislation during a media briefing at his residence in Asokoro. He emphasized the symbolic and historical relevance of June 12, noting its suitability as a platform for presidential communication to the legislature and the nation.
“We are hoping to bring a bill soon to institutionalise 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.”
In addition to the annual address, the proposed bill will seek to establish the National Assembly complex as the designated venue for future presidential inaugurations.
“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,” he added.
Bamidele also confirmed that the Senate is evaluating an extension of the implementation period for the 2024 budget, particularly concerning capital projects. Furthermore, he indicated that the ongoing constitutional amendment process could reach completion before the end of the third legislative session.
The proposed legislation is seen as part of broader efforts to reinforce institutional continuity and enhance the ceremonial significance of Nigeria’s Democracy Day.
