Senate Moves to Make June 12 Presidential Speech Mandatory
The Nigerian Senate is proposing legislation to make it mandatory for the President to address the nation annually on June 12, a date linked to the country’s democratic transition.
Senate Majority Leader Opeyemi Bamidele disclosed this on Tuesday during a media chat, saying a bill will be introduced to formalize the annual presidential speech.
“We intend to introduce a bill soon to institutionalise the President’s address on June 12, given its historic relevance. There’s no better occasion to speak to the nation through the parliament than on this day, particularly during a joint sitting of the National Assembly,” Bamidele said.
The proposed bill also includes a provision to designate the National Assembly Complex as the venue for future presidential inaugurations.
“We also aim to ensure that the swearing-in of the next President and Commander-in-Chief — whom we firmly believe will be President Bola Ahmed Tinubu again — takes place within the National Assembly arcade,” he added.
Bamidele commented on the implementation of the 2024 national budget, indicating the Senate may consider extending the timeline for capital projects.
“We need to carefully review the budget’s implementation. We will likely extend the capital expenditure period while ensuring full execution of the 2025 budget,” he said.
As Vice Chairman of the Constitution Review Committee, Bamidele acknowledged delays in the amendment process but said progress had been made.
“We’ve completed nearly 70 percent of the process before engaging the public. Soon, we will hold zonal public hearings, which will culminate in a joint hearing with the House of Representatives. Our goal is to finalise constitutional amendments before the end of the third legislative year,” Bamidele explained.
June 12 marks the annulled 1993 presidential election, widely believed to have been won by Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola. The annulment by military ruler General Ibrahim Babangida led to widespread protests and criticism.
In 2018, President Muhammadu Buhari declared June 12 as Democracy Day, replacing May 29, in recognition of MKO Abiola and the events surrounding the 1993 election.
Earlier this year, Babangida acknowledged in his memoir that Abiola won the 1993 election — an admission that democracy advocates had long sought.
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