This is the text of the remarks I would have delivered at today’s NASS joint session, as indicated in my letter of invitation. However, due to time constraints, the programme of events had to be abridged. Nonetheless, I still believe it is important to share my thoughts on this platform.
BRIEF REMARK BY FORMER SENATE PRESIDENT, DR. ABUBAKAR BUKOLA SARAKI, CON, ON THE TOPIC: “THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY AND NIGERIA’S DEMOCRACY IN THE LAST 26 YEARS” AT THE JOINT SESSION OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY ON DEMOCRACY DAY, THURSDAY, JUNE 12TH, 2025 HELD INSIDE THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CHAMBERS, NATIONAL ASSEMBLY COMPLEX, ABUJA.
1. I have been given just three minutes to talk on the important topic of the impact of the National Assembly in the last 26 years of democracy in our dear country. Let me therefore quickly acknowledge the presence of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, their deputies, other principal officers, other former presiding officers of the two chambers of the National Assembly here present, and members of the 10th National Assembly. Furthermore, I adopt the protocol already established by the previous speakers.
2. Ladies and gentlemen, permit me to quickly make five points before the time allotted to me expires. First, I congratulate all Nigerians at home and abroad on the 26th anniversary of democracy. This achievement is a result of the sacrifice and perseverance by all of us and as such we deserve a pat on the back for this.
3. Second, let me join all of us in remembering and celebrating our heroes and heroines of democracy who paid different types of prices and those who made various sacrifices to end military rule and return our country to democracy. Without their sacrifice, we will not be here today. From the known political leaders to the unsung and unknown protesters on the streets who lost their lives, limbs, and livelihoods during the fight against military rule. May Almighty God bless all their souls. As we praise those who helped us to achieve this democracy, we also need to commend those who have worked hard to sustain it.
4. Third, I want to commend President Tinubu for choosing to join the National Assembly here in this chamber to celebrate Democracy Day. This symbolic action speaks volumes. This is an acknowledgment of the fact that among the three arms of government, the one that best symbolizes, represents, and exemplifies democracy, is the parliament. Today, the Nigerian leadership did not gather in Aso Rock Villa, or the foyer of the Supreme Court, or the covered seats of Eagle Square to celebrate democracy. We are here in the Green Chamber of the National Assembly to celebrate representative government. Today’s gathering indicates clearly that the legislature is the bedrock of democracy.
