.Tinubu to confer national honours on select legislators
The Federal Government has declared Thursday, June 12, 2025, a public holiday to mark this year’s Democracy Day celebration.
This announcement adds to an already work free days the week for Nigerians, with Monday previously designated a public holiday in honour of the Eid-el-Kabir festival.
The declaration was made public via a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Magdalene Ajani.
According to the statement, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced the holiday on behalf of the federal government and used the occasion to felicitate with Nigerians on the milestone of uninterrupted democratic governance spanning over two decades.
“June 12 represents our historic journey to building a nation where truth and justice reign and peace is sustained and our future assured,” Tunji-Ojo said.
He highlighted the nation’s progress since the return to civilian rule in 1999, describing the period as a testament to the Nigerian people’s unwavering determination.
“The last 26 years tell the story of our resilience, strength and courage and a hope renewed than ever,” he added.
The Minister further affirmed the Tinubu administration’s unwavering commitment to the principles of democracy, emphasizing that the government remains anchored on the will of the people.
He reiterated that the “Renewed Hope” agenda of President Bola Tinubu aims to uphold the democratic ideals that allow citizens to freely determine the country’s political, economic, social, and cultural future.
Democracy Day, celebrated annually on June 12, commemorates the annulled 1993 presidential election won by Chief Moshood Kashimawo Abiola, widely regarded as Nigeria’s freest and fairest vote, and honours the struggle that restored civilian rule in 1999.
.as Tinubu to confer national honours on select legislators
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu would on June 12 confer National Honours on selected legislators in commemoration of Democracy Day.
This is contained in a statement by the House Spokesman, Rep. Akin Rotimi Jr. in Abuja on Sunday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the leadership and Members of the House of Representatives will participate in a Special Joint Sitting of the National Assembly on Thursday, June 12.
The President who is expected to be the special guest of honour will address the joint sitting of the legislators.
“The programme will also feature goodwill messages from former presiding officers of the National Assembly and the conferment of National Honours on select legislators by Mr President,” Rotimi Jr. said.
The House Spokesman said that the theme for this year’s celebration is:
“26 Years of Democracy: Renewing Our Commitment to National Development.”
He explained that the Joint Sitting represents a significant moment in Nigeria’s democratic journey.
He said that it underscores the pivotal role of the National Assembly in safeguarding democratic values, fostering accountability, and advancing national development over the past 26 years of uninterrupted civil rule.
He urged Nigerians to embrace the spirit of Democracy Day as a time for reflection, renewed patriotism, and commitment to building a more inclusive, prosperous, and united nation.
