….. Senate Plans to Institutionalize June 12 Address.
The Senate is considering a significant legislative move to relocate the venue of Nigeria’s presidential inauguration from Eagle Square to the National Assembly complex. This proposal is part of a broader initiative to institutionalize the President’s annual address to the nation on June 12, a day recognized for its historical significance in Nigeria’s democratic journey.
Speaking with reporters on Tuesday, the Leader of the Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, disclosed that the Red Chamber intends to introduce a bill that will mandate an official presidential address every June 12 — Democracy Day.
“We are hoping to bring a bill soon to institutionalize the President’s address on June 12 because of its historical importance,” Bamidele said. “There can’t be a better time to address the nation through the parliament than on June 12, especially since it is a joint sitting of the National Assembly.”
He added that the proposed legislation would also recommend the relocation of the presidential inauguration ceremony to the National Assembly grounds, starting with the next transition.
“We are hoping, in that bill, to ensure that the swearing-in ceremony of the next President and Commander-in-Chief of Nigeria, whom we believe is President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, will be held within the arcade of the National Assembly,” he stated.
In a related development, the Senate is also reviewing the implementation of the 2024 national budget, particularly its capital components. Bamidele noted that the legislature is considering an extension of the capital expenditure timeline to ensure optimal delivery.
“We have to sit and assess the full implementation of the 2024 budget. We will further extend the capital expenditure timeline while ensuring that the 2025 budget is fully implemented,” he said.
The proposals reflect a growing legislative intent to align national democratic rituals with parliamentary processes and deepen Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
