Senator Bamidele Reveals Plans to Legalise June 12 Presidential Address, Swearing-In Ceremonies at National Assembly As Constitutional Review Reach Advanced Stage

By: Olufemi Orunsola 

As Nigeria prepares to observe another Democracy Day celebration, the Senate has revealed plans to initiate legislation that would formalise an annual presidential address to the nation every June 12, a day widely recognised as symbolising the modern democratic travails of the country.

OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News reports aa gathered that the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, made the disclosure on Tuesday while speaking to journalists in Abuja. 

Senator Opeyemi revealed that the move is part of efforts to honour the historical significance of June 12, the day Nigeria now celebrates as Democracy Day.

According to him, “We are hoping to bring a bill soon to institutionalise the President’s address on June 12 because of its historical importance. 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.”

In addition to the proposed presidential address, Bamidele stated that the National Assembly is also working towards designating the complex as the official venue for future presidential swearing-in ceremonies.

He further said that, “In that bill, we’re also proposing that the swearing-in of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and we believe, come 2027, it would be President Bola Ahmed Tinubu again should take place within the premises of the National Assembly."

The Senate Leader further hinted that in addition to the symbolic importance of June 12, the red chamber is also reviewing the implementation status of the 2024 national budget, especially its capital expenditure segment. 

He also explained, “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."

Senator Bamidele, in his capacity as the Vice Chairman of the Constitution Review Committee, acknowledged delays in the ongoing constitution review process but gave assurances that the process has now reached an advanced state.

“We’ve done almost 70 percent of the work before going public. We will be holding zonal public hearings soon, followed by a joint public hearing with the House of Representatives. Our target is to complete this process before the end of the third legislative year," he affirmed.