Today, June 12, Nigerians are commemorating the anniversary of the historic 1993 presidential election, which was widely regarded as the freest and fairest in the country’s history. The election was won by business mogul Chief Moshood Abiola, but it was annulled by the military government of Gen. Ibrahim Babangida. Abiola’s struggle for his mandate ultimately led to his death in custody on July 7, 1998.
In recognition of Abiola’s sacrifice, President Muhammadu Buhari declared him President posthumously and awarded him the highest national award of Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR). Buhari also declared June 12 as Democracy Day, replacing May 29. To mark this significant day, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will deliver his maiden State of the Nation address to Nigerians through their federal lawmakers.
The special joint sitting of the National Assembly will take place at the National Assembly Complex, where President Tinubu will speak on the state of the nation. The theme for this year’s celebration is “26 years of democracy: Renewing our commitment to national development.” The event will also feature goodwill messages from former presiding officers of the National Assembly and the conferment of national honours on select legislators.
According to the Clerk to the House of Representatives, Yahaya Danzaria, President Tinubu is expected to arrive at the National Assembly at about noon. The House spokesman, Akintunde Rotimi, provided a breakdown of the President’s engagement during his visit, which includes a special joint sitting of the National Assembly and a Public Lecture on Democracy.
The Public Lecture, scheduled to hold at 4 pm at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja, will have the theme “Consolidating on the gains of Nigeria’s democracy: Necessity of enduring reforms.” The Federal Government has announced that there will be no military parade today, in order not to reduce the value attached to the State of the Nation address.
The joint sitting represents a significant moment in Nigeria’s democratic journey, underscoring the pivotal role of the National Assembly in safeguarding democratic values, fostering accountability, and advancing national development. The House of Representatives has urged 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.
As President Tinubu delivers his maiden State of the Nation address, Nigerians are eagerly awaiting his assessment of the country’s progress and his vision for the future. The address is expected to provide insight into the government’s priorities and initiatives aimed at promoting national development and democracy. With the theme of “Renewing our commitment to national development,” the President’s address is likely to focus on the challenges facing the country and the strategies for overcoming them.
The commemoration of Democracy Day is a significant milestone in Nigeria’s democratic journey, and President Tinubu’s State of the Nation address is expected to be a major highlight of the celebration. As the country continues to navigate its democratic path, the President’s address will be closely watched by Nigerians and international observers alike.
Source: The Nations
