The 10th National Assembly, which marks its second anniversary today, June 13 (though the actual date is tomorrow), has served with diligence and distinction.
The 10th National Assembly, which marks its second anniversary today, June 13 (though the actual date is tomorrow), has served with diligence and distinction. A total of 844 bills have been introduced in its first two years, an unprecedented figure that highlights the proactive nature of both the Senate and the House of Representatives in addressing pressing national issues. Our determination to expedite and finalize the constitutional amendment process by December 2025 is clear.
Reflecting on his struggle for democracy, President Bola Tinubu took a moment to clarify his stance. He asserted that at no point in the past, nor any present or future junction, would he consider the idea of a one-party state to be beneficial for Nigeria. He recalled his political history from 2003 when the then-governing party attempted to eliminate political opposition through plots and manipulation. He emphasized that he was the last progressive governor standing in his region during that time.
“Call me whatever name you wish, but I'm not here to please anyone politically,” he stated. “I will always call upon democracy to defend your right to express yourself.” He noted that we cannot blame anyone for wanting to escape a sinking ship, even if they lack a life jacket, a remark that elicited laughter from the audience.
However, the president was not finished yet; he took a pointed jab at the opposition, stating, “I will not tell you to try your best to get your house in order, nor will I assist you in doing so. It is truly a pleasure to witness you in such disarray.”
He continued, “Our nation is not perfect, but it is strong. Our democracy may not be invincible, but it is alive. This means that our dream of a prosperous and happy nation is still within reach and worth fighting for.”
In a significant move marking Nigeria's 26 years of democratic rule, President Tinubu conferred posthumous honors on notable Nigerians, including environmental activist Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight other members of the Ogoni 9. “In this light, I announce the conferment of posthumous honors on Ken Saro-Wiwa, the heroine of our June 12th struggle,” he stated. He also honored Mosa GCF and Professor Offu Coi with posthumous accolades.
Finally, President Tinubu has made it clear that he rejects the notion of a one-party future for the country, and he acknowledged the formal adoption of June 12th as the official date for the president of Nigeria to deliver an address to a joint session of the National Assembly.
