ABUJA, Nigeria — President Bola Tinubu will address a Joint Sitting of the National Assembly on Wednesday to commemorate 25 years of unbroken democracy and legislative practice in Nigeria.
The event, which will take place in the Green Chamber of the House of Representatives Building at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja, is scheduled to begin at 10:00 am on May 29, 2024.
A statement jointly signed by Senator Yemi Adaramodu, Senate Spokesman, and Rep. Akin Rotimi, House Spokesman, outlined the program of activities. Highlights include a keynote speech by President Tinubu, followed by commemorative lectures on the theme “25 Years of the National Assembly: Lessons & Opportunities” by prominent figures such as Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, Senator David Mark, and Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar.
Following the joint sitting, the event will proceed with the unveiling and commissioning of the National Assembly Library Complex, named the Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu Building.
A tour of the new facility will also be conducted.
“Nigeria’s Fourth Republic was birthed on May 29, 1999, following the country’s return to civilian rule. Nigeria’s political trajectory has seen many periods of military intervention, and the period since 1999 has been the longest of unbroken legislative practice,” the statement read.
The President of the Senate and Chairman of the National Assembly, Senator Godswill Akpabio, remarked, “This Silver Jubilee is a testament to the resilience and enduring strength of our democratic institutions. The National Assembly has played a pivotal role in safeguarding our democracy, and this event is a fitting tribute to our shared commitment to the nation’s progress.”
Speaker of the House Hon. Abbas Tajudeen added, “The 10th National Assembly places great significance on celebrating our democratic journey. This commemorative sitting underscores our dedication to reflecting on the lessons learned and the opportunities ahead as we continue to serve the Nigerian people.”
The event will be attended by an array of distinguished guests, including the Vice President, Deputy President of the Senate, Deputy Speaker of the House, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Chief of Staff to the President, Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Clerk to the National Assembly, and other notable dignitaries.
As Nigeria marks 25 years of democracy, this event highlights the country’s progress and the enduring strength of its democratic institutions. The joint sitting and subsequent activities underscore the importance of reflecting on past lessons while looking forward to future opportunities for national development.
