The Nigerian Senate is taking steps to reshape key national traditions, proposing a bill that would relocate future Presidential inauguration ceremonies from Eagle Square to National Assembly complex and formally establish annual presidential address in June 12.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele disclosed this during an interview with journalists, highlighting the symbolic weight of June 12 in Nigeria’s democratic history.
“We are hoping to bring a bill soon to institutionalize the President’s address on June 12 because of its historic importance”, Bamidele said He emphasized that a joint session of the National Assembly on Democracy Day provides the perfect setting for the President to address the nation.
“There can’t be a better time to address the nation through the Parliament than on June 12”, he said.
As part of the proposal, the bill would also make it a constitutional norm for the swearing-in of future President’s – beginning with a potential second term for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu – to take place within the National Assembly premises.
Bamidele also noted that the Senate is reviewing the progress of the 2024 budget implementation especially regarding capital projects.
“We have to sit and assess the full implementation of the 2024 budget. We will further extend the capital expenditure timeline while ensuring that the 2025 is fully implemented”, he explained.
The proposed initiative reflect the Senate’s broader efforts to enhance the democratic process and strengthen the accountability of national leadership.
-9News Nigeria.
