Senate President Godswill Akpabio has paid glowing tribute to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing him as an enduring symbol of Nigeria’s long and hard-fought journey towards democracy.
Addressing a joint session of the National Assembly on June 12 to mark Democracy Day and receive the President’s State of the Nation Address, Akpabio described Tinubu’s personal political history as “a powerful reminder that the struggle for democracy was never in vain.”
“Your Excellency,” Akpabio said, “this moment is far more than ceremonial. Your presence in this Chamber, on this symbolic day, rekindles memories of sacrifice, exile, courage, and unwavering faith in democratic ideals. You stand before us not just as Nigeria’s President, but as a veteran of resistance—one of the few who stood when it was most dangerous to do so.”
Reflecting on the annulled 1993 presidential election—widely considered to have been won by the late Chief MKO Abiola—Akpabio recalled the painful chapter of Nigeria’s history that ensued.
“That annulment marked a descent into darkness. Chaos followed. Protesters filled the streets. Some lost their lives. Others were imprisoned or forced into hiding. But a determined few, including you, chose to defy tyranny rather than submit,” he stated.
According to the Senate President, Democracy Day is not a mere public holiday. It is a national reminder of what was risked and lost to gain Nigeria’s Fourth Republic. “June 12 was not simply a date. It was a declaration,” he said.
“It was a unifying voice of Nigerians across ethnicity and religion, insisting that democracy must be the cornerstone of our nation’s future. It was a national uprising that refused to let the ballot be silenced.”
Akpabio drew a poignant contrast between the past and present, underscoring how the National Assembly chamber—once inaccessible to the voices of democratic resistance—is now a sanctuary of those very ideals. “This Chamber is more than just the legislative heart of Nigeria. It is now a symbol of restored hope and reclaimed power. Mr. President, welcome home.”
He also commemorated the second anniversary of the 10th National Assembly, using the opportunity to spotlight the body’s performance. “In the past two years, we have introduced 844 bills, of which 96 have passed through the Senate, and 52 have been signed into law by the President.
These are not just numbers—they represent structural transformation across critical sectors like education, taxation, regional development, and local government autonomy,” Akpabio explained.
Describing the legislature as active participants in national development, he declared: “We in the 10th Assembly are not merely lawmakers. We are builders of the Nigerian state.”
Akpabio also pointed to growing public trust in the legislature, evidenced by the over 80 public petitions received within two years, 18 of which have already been resolved. “This demonstrates that citizens are beginning to see this institution as their voice, their advocate, and their defender,” he noted.
Turning to the executive’s policy decisions, Akpabio applauded the Tinubu administration’s bold economic reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies, the unification of foreign exchange rates, tax reform initiatives, student loan schemes, and renewed efforts on national infrastructure and security.
He acknowledged that while the path has been controversial and demanding, these decisions are gradually revitalizing investor confidence and stabilizing the economic framework.
“This is not business as usual,” Akpabio emphasized. “This is governance driven by bold vision, clear purpose, and resolute leadership.”
Yet, he cautioned that democracy must be more than sound policies or institutional frameworks. It must be a lived experience—a culture of participation, accountability, and inclusive dialogue.
Drawing comparisons with global democratic movements, from the American civil rights era to Rwanda’s post-conflict reconstruction, he urged Nigerians to embrace resilience and reform as a way of life.
The Senate President also issued a clarion call for political unity and cooperation. “Democracy is not a zero-sum contest. When both the executive and legislature work in tandem, it is the Nigerian people who benefit. But when needless confrontation prevails, it is the people who bear the cost,” he warned.
In a visionary appeal, Akpabio proposed the establishment of a National Democracy Museum in honor of the sacrifices that birthed Nigeria’s present democratic dispensation. “Let us not let these stories fade. Let future generations understand that the freedom they enjoy was earned through blood, sacrifice, and unshakable belief in justice,” he urged.
Concluding his remarks, Akpabio paid solemn homage to those who perished in the democratic struggle, affirming the Senate’s responsibility to preserve the legacy they left behind. “To those who gave their lives, to those who bore the scars, and to those still holding on to hope—we pledge never to forget. Never again must we betray the trust of a nation that bled for its freedom,” he said.
As he welcomed President Tinubu to address the nation, Akpabio underscored the emotional weight of the moment. “This is your political home. This is the people’s house. And today, it beats with the spirit of those who dared to dream of a free and democratic Nigeria.”