President Bola Tinubu is scheduled to address a joint session of the Senate and the House of Representatives on Thursday, June 12.
In a statement issued on Sunday by the House of Representatives Spokesman, Akin Rotimi, noted that the event was formally conveyed to members via an internal memorandum issued by the House Clerk, Yahaya Danzaria.
“The Special joint sitting is scheduled to hold at the House of Representatives Chamber, National Assembly Complex, commencing at 11:00 AM, with preliminary proceedings ahead of the arrival of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, at 12:00 noon.
“The theme for this year’s celebration is: ’26 years of democracy: Renewing our commitment to national development.” President Tinubu is expected to attend the occasion as Special Guest of Honour and will deliver a presidential address to the joint sitting,” the statement read in part.
It also noted that the programme will feature goodwill messages from former presiding officers of the National Assembly and the conferment of National Honours on select legislators by the President.
Democracy Day is observed in Nigeria on June 12 in honour of the June 12,1993 presidential election seen by many as the most credible poll ever conducted in the history of post independent Nigeria.
The election was won by the late Moshood Abiola but was annulled by the military regime of Gen Ibrahim Babangida (retd).
It further stated that,”This joint sitting represents a significant moment in Nigeria’s democratic journey.
“It underscores the pivotal role of the National Assembly in safeguarding democratic values, fostering accountability, and advancing national development over the past 26 years of uninterrupted civil rule.”
The House of Representatives in the statement urges all Nigerians to embrace the spirit of Democracy Day as a time for “reflection, renewed patriotism, and commitment to building a more inclusive, prosperous, and united nation.”
