The National Assembly has officially designated June 12 as the day for the President of Nigeria to deliver an annual address to a joint session of the legislature, a decision formalized during a special Democracy Day sitting at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja.
The resolution followed a motion by Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, during a session presided over by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, where President Bola Tinubu delivered a commemorative address. Akpabio announced the adoption of the motion, stating, “Mr. Speaker raised a motion that June 12 should be formalized as the Presidential Day of Address to the joint session of the National Assembly. Those in support say ‘Aye’; those against say ‘Nay’. The ‘Ayes’ have it.”
Addressing President Tinubu, Akpabio added, “Mr. President, that is the motion of the National Assembly, done in your presence. We are quite happy with the data you rolled out.”
The decision builds on earlier indications from the Senate on June 10, when Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele revealed plans to institutionalize the June 12 address due to its historical significance. Speaking to journalists on Tuesday, Bamidele disclosed that a bill is being developed to formalize the practice and designate the National Assembly complex as the official venue for future presidential swearing-in ceremonies.
“We are hoping to bring a bill soon to institutionalize the President’s address on June 12,” Bamidele said. “We also aim to ensure that the swearing-in ceremony of the next President—whom we believe will be President Bola Ahmed Tinubu—will be held within the arcade of the National Assembly.”
The move underscores the significance of June 12, a date tied to Nigeria’s democratic history, and aims to strengthen parliamentary traditions. Further details on the proposed legislation are expected as the bill progresses.
