Senator Godswill Akpabio, president of the Senate, announced on Wednesday that the National Assembly will hold a special joint session on June 12 to commemorate Democracy Day.
Akpabio, who announced after senators reconvened from a two-hour break during plenary, disclosed that President Bola Tinubu will personally attend the commemorative session.
He stated that preparations for the event are already underway, with the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele; the Senate Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro; and the Chairman, Senate Committee on Services, Senator Sunday Karimi, mandated to meet with their counterparts in the House of Representatives to finalise the programme of activities.
“The President has graciously agreed to attend the joint session in person,” Akpabio said, adding that the Senate has tasked the planning committee to expedite arrangements and work out the full agenda for the event in the coming days.
June 12 holds a unique place in Nigeria’s political history. It marks the anniversary of the 1993 presidential election, which Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (M.K.O.) Abiola won.
The election, conducted under General Ibrahim Babangida’s military regime, was annulled despite being adjudged credible by local and international observers. The annulment triggered a nationwide crisis and intensified calls for democratic reforms.
The special session is expected to reflect on Nigeria’s democratic journey and highlight the government’s commitment to democratic governance, 31 years after the historic June 12, 1993, presidential election.
