Tomorrow, the Senate and House of Representatives will hold a joint sitting to commemorate 25 years of unbroken democracy and legislative activity in Nigeria. This event marks the first of its kind since the Fourth Republic began in 1999.
Traditionally, the two chambers convene jointly only for the President’s budget presentation. However, Wednesday’s session will be a significant milestone in Nigeria’s democratic history.
According to a statement from the National Assembly management, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to deliver an address at the joint sitting. Additionally, he will commission the new National Assembly Library as part of the celebrations.
Vice President Kashim Shettima will also attend the joint session. Other notable attendees include Alhaji Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Governor of Kwara State; Hope Uzodinma, Chairman of the Progressives Governors’ Forum and Governor of Imo State; Senator George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation; and Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to the President.
Additional attendees include Barr. Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory; Alhaji Magaji Tambuwal, Clerk to the National Assembly; and senior special assistants to the President for both the Senate and House.
The joint sitting will feature commemorative lectures on “25 Years of the National Assembly: Lessons and Opportunities.” Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, who served as Speaker of the 9th House from 2019 to 2023, will present a paper on “Reflections on the House.” Senator David Mark, President of the 6th and 7th Senate from 2007 to 2015, will discuss “Reflections on the Senate.” Additionally, former head of state, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, will deliver a paper on “Reflections on the Journey to Democracy.”
