Pan Afric Reporters NASS,Abuja, June 12, 2025
In a stirring address to mark Nigeria’s 2025 Democracy Day celebration, President of the Senate, Distinguished Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, GCON, powerfully welcome President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the National Assembly, invoking the legacy of June 12 as a defining moment in Nigeria’s democratic history and a call to renewed national purpose.
Speaking to the joint session of the National Assembly, Akpabio in a his welcome address titled “The Fire That Forged A Nation ” described President Tinubu as “a veteran of the trenches, a symbol of democratic resistance, and a beneficiary of the people’s trust,” noting the significance of his return to the chamber to deliver the State of the Nation Address.
“Today, we gather not to mourn injustice, but to honour resilience,” Akpabio declared. “We observe not the triumph of politicians, but the enduring faith of the Nigerian people in democracy—a faith that survived betrayal, braved teargas, defied armored tanks, endured silence, and still chose the ballot over the bullet.”
Reflecting on the annulled June 12, 1993, presidential election, the Senate President lamented the loss of national innocence but praised the birth of a democratic spirit that has endured and evolved over the last 26 years. He paid homage to those who resisted oppression, many of whom sacrificed their lives in the quest for a freer Nigeria.
“In those dark days, while others chose silence or compromise, you, Mr. President, chose courage,” Akpabio said to Tinubu, referencing his NADECO activism. “You helped sustain the flame of liberty when it was most at risk of going out.”
This year’s theme—“26 Years of Democracy: Renewing Our Commitment to National Development”—was highlighted not merely as a commemorative slogan, but as a clarion call to action for all Nigerians and the institutions that serve them.
Akpabio lauded the Tinubu administration for its “bold approach to difficult reforms,” citing key initiatives such as the unification of the foreign exchange market, local government autonomy, creation of regional development commissions, educational loan funding, subsidy removal, tax reforms, and foreign investment drives.
“These efforts are gradually restoring investor confidence, laying the foundations for long-term prosperity, and refocusing government expenditure toward productive investments,” he said.
Equally, the Senate President celebrated the legislative achievements of the 10th National Assembly, which marks its second anniversary on June 13. With 844 bills introduced, 96 passed, and 52 already signed into law by the President, the 10th Senate, he said, has demonstrated “a renewed vigor for addressing the country’s complex challenges through purposeful legislation.”
In addition, the chamber has processed 80 citizen petitions, with 18 fully resolved—an indicator of growing public trust in democratic institutions.
Akpabio emphasized the importance of synergy between the executive and legislative arms, citing global examples where such partnerships accelerated national development. “Where governance is a partnership, progress follows. But where governance is a contest, the people suffer,” he cautioned.
In a passionate appeal to all Nigerians, especially the youth, civil society, and media, Akpabio urged collective responsibility in safeguarding democracy, reminding the nation that democracy is not a periodic exercise but a lived culture.
In a bold proposal, he called for the establishment of a June 12 Museum, to preserve and teach the lessons of the democratic struggle: “Nations that forget their past lose the moral compass for their future.”
He concluded with a solemn vow on behalf of the Senate:
“We owe it to those who fought. We owe it to those who fell. We owe it to those who still believe. May we never again betray the hope that was once betrayed. And may we never lose the freedom that was once denied.”
With this, Akpabio formally invited President Tinubu to deliver his State of the Nation Address, hailing the National Assembly as not just the heart of Nigerian democracy, but the President’s political home.
