Saraki Commends President Tinubu for Joining National Assembly to Celebrate Democracy Day

Former Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has praised President Bola Tinubu for his symbolic gesture of joining the National Assembly to commemorate Democracy Day.

Saraki, who served as Senate President from 2015 to 2019, noted that the president’s action speaks volumes about his commitment to the country’s democratic institutions.

In a statement titled, “The National Assembly and Nigeria’s Democracy in the Last 26 Years,” which he had prepared to deliver at the joint session of the National Assembly on Democracy Day, June 12, Saraki congratulated Nigerians for their resilience in defending democracy.

He also paid tribute to the heroes of the pro-democracy movement, who fought tirelessly to entrench democratic principles in the country.

Saraki’s statement was prepared for delivery at the joint session, but he was unable to deliver it due to time constraints. However, he took the opportunity to acknowledge the presence of President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, and other principal officers of the National Assembly.

In his remarks, Saraki also expressed his gratitude to the current Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, for recently adding his official portrait to the Senate Gallery, which honors former presiding officers. Saraki’s portrait was noticeably absent from the gallery for four years, and its inclusion is seen as a significant gesture of reconciliation and respect for the former Senate President.

Saraki noted that the inclusion of his portrait does not mean that he will not disagree with the current leadership of the National Assembly on other issues in the future.

He emphasized the importance of parliamentary culture, which allows for disagreements and debates while maintaining a sense of respect and camaraderie among lawmakers.

The former Senate President’s comments were seen as a significant development in the country’s political landscape, as they highlight the importance of unity and cooperation among political leaders. President Tinubu’s decision to join the National Assembly to celebrate Democracy Day is also being hailed as a positive step towards strengthening the country’s democratic institutions.