The Senate and the House of Representatives are set to convene in a historic joint session on Wednesday, 29th May 2024, to commemorate 25 years of uninterrupted democracy and legislature in Nigeria.
This unprecedented joint sitting, marking Nigeria’s democracy milestone, will be the first of its kind by the National Assembly since the inception of the Fourth Republic in 1999.
In a statement released on Monday night by the National Assembly management, it was announced that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to deliver a keynote address during the joint sitting. Additionally, the President will commission the new National Assembly Library as part of the celebratory events for the 25-year milestone.
Attending the joint session alongside Vice President Kashim Shettima will be prominent dignitaries including the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and Governor of Kwara State, Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq; the Chairman of the Progressives Governors’ Forum and Governor of Imo State, Governor Hope Uzodinma; the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume; and the Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila.
Other notable attendees include the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike; the Clerk to the National Assembly, Alhaji Magaji Tambuwal; and the Senior Special Assistants to the President for both the Senate and the House, among others.
The joint sitting will also feature commemorative lectures themed “25 Years of the National Assembly: Lessons & Opportunities.” During these sessions, Gbajabiamila, the former Speaker of the 9th House (2019-2023), will present a paper on ‘Reflections on the House,’ while Senator David Mark, GCON, President of the 6th & 7th Senate (2007-2015), will speak on ‘Reflections on the Senate.’
Additionally, former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, will deliver a paper titled ‘Reflections on the Journey to Democracy.’ This event promises to be a momentous occasion, reflecting on the evolution and achievements of Nigeria’s democratic journey over the past 25 years.
