President of the Senate, Distinguished Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, has lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as a symbol of Nigeria’s democratic journey, describing his emergence as President and his presence at the National Assembly on Democracy Day as “nothing short of providence.”
Senator Akpabio gave the commendation during his welcome address at the 2025 Democracy Day celebration and State of the Nation Address by President Tinubu, held at the joint sitting of the National Assembly in Abuja.
In an emotionally charged speech titled “June 12: The Fire That Forged a Nation,” Akpabio paid glowing tribute to the heroes of the June 12, 1993, presidential election—describing the struggle that followed its annulment as the true birth of Nigeria’s democratic spirit.
“We gather not to mourn injustice, but to honour resilience. We observe not the triumph of politicians, but the enduring faith of the Nigerian people in democracy,” he declared.
Akpabio noted that while the annulment of the 1993 election extinguished the hopes of many, it also awakened the spirit of resistance and redefined the national conscience. He praised President Tinubu as one of the key figures who stood tall during those trying times, referencing his involvement in NADECO and the fight to restore democracy.
“While others chose silence or compromise, you chose courage. At great personal cost, NADECO, which you were part of, helped sustain the flame of liberty when it was most at risk of going out,” Akpabio stated.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s democratic journey, the Senate President proposed the establishment of a June 12 Museum to serve as a living archive of the country’s democratic struggles and victories.
“Nations that forget their past lose the moral compass for their future,” he said.
Akpabio also highlighted the achievements of the Tinubu administration, praised its bold reforms in the areas of the economy, local government autonomy, tax policy, fuel subsidy removal, and education funding. He described the reforms as difficult but necessary steps to reposition Nigeria for sustainable growth and foreign investor confidence.
He equally commended the 10th National Assembly, which marks its second anniversary on June 13, 2025, for what he termed “purposeful and proactive legislation.” According to him, the Senate has introduced 844 bills, passed 96, and secured 52 presidential assents the highest legislative output at this stage in any Senate cycle.
Akpabio stressed the importance of collaboration between the executive and legislature for national progress, drawing parallels from the United States, Rwanda, Ghana, and South Africa.
“Where governance is a partnership, progress follows. But where governance is a contest, the people suffer,” he said.
He charged the youth, media, and civil society not to treat democracy with apathy or allow the sacrifices of the past to fade from memory, urging a collective renewal of commitment to democratic values and institutions.
Concluding his address, Akpabio reaffirmed the Senate’s commitment to the welfare of Nigerians and welcomed President Tinubu “home” to the chamber, describing it as both the heartbeat of democracy and the President’s political home.
“We owe it to those who fought. We owe it to those who fell. We owe it to those who still believe. May we never again betray the hope that was once betrayed.”
President Tinubu then proceeded to deliver his much-anticipated State of the Nation Address.
