The Nigeria’s Senate President, Godswill Akpabio sees President Bola Tinubu as one of the architects of Nigeria’s democracy taking courageous decision as a leader.
Speaking at the joint session of the Senate and House of Representatives in Abuja on Thursday, Akpabio noted “The National Assembly is proud to host you, our President, our compatriot, and one of our own, as you fulfil the solemn constitutional duty of addressing the nation.
At the session addressed by President Tinubu as part of the activities that marked the 2025 Democracy Day celebration, the Senate President observed that “This chamber honours you not merely as the President, but as one of the architects of the very democratic foundation we commemorate today. Under President Tinubu’s leadership, we have seen transformation in his bold approach to difficult reforms.
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“From unifying the foreign exchange market, to local government autonomy, to the formation of the regional development commissions, to Nigerian Education Loan Fund, to removing fuel subsidies, to attracting foreign investments, to tax reforms, this administration has not shied away from the hard decisions required to stabilize and grow our economy.
“These efforts are gradually restoring investor confidence, laying the foundations for long-term prosperity, and refocusing government expenditure toward productive investments.
“Mr President, we commend you for your boldness, your vision, and your unwavering belief in Nigeria’s future. Likewise, the 10th National Assembly,” he said.
Akpabio described Tinubu as a great democrat who suffered personal losses for democracy to thrive in Nigeria. “Many, including Your Excellency, stood tall in those days of darkness. 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. So as we mark this day, let us remember those who bled so we could vote.
“Those who took risks so we could speak. Those who were buried so that freedom might rise. Let us also pay tribute to all those who played pivotal roles in Nigeria’s democratic transition. This year’s theme – ’26 Years of Democracy: Renewing Our Commitment to National Development’—is not a slogan. It is a call to purpose,” he said.
Ahead of second anniversary of the 10th Senate on June 13, he listed such achievements of the NASS as, “From its inception, the 10th Senate demonstrated a renewed vigor for addressing the country’s complex challenges through purposeful legislation.
According to him, “This commitment is reflected in its extraordinary output: a total of 844 bills have been introduced within its first two years—an unprecedented figure that underscores the Senate’s proactive posture in tackling pressing national issues.
“Out of this impressive volume, 107 bills are currently at the committee stage, undergoing the necessary scrutiny and stakeholders’ engagement that ensures quality legislation, 206 bills are awaiting first reading, reflecting a robust pipeline of legislative ideas prepared for formal introduction, and 409 bills have advanced to second reading.
“Notably, the Senate has passed 96 bills, a record for any Nigerian Senate at this stage of the legislative cycle. Even more significantly, 52 of these bills have been assented to by the President, translating into enforceable laws that will shape governance, economic development, public welfare, and national security.
“These bills include the National Education Fund, local government autonomy bill, regional development commissions, tax reforms, universities and tertiary institutions, agricultural institutions etc.
“Moreover, the Tenth Senate has acted decisively on 26 Executive Bills, showcasing a healthy balance of cooperation and oversight in its engagement with the executive arm.
“These executive-sponsored legislations address key policy areas and benefit from the Senate’s thorough review and refinement before passage.
“Beyond bills, the 10th Senate has received a total of 80 petitions from citizens and civil society. This is a testimony to public trust in the institution. Of these, 18 petitions have been fully adopted, providing redress, transparency, and institutional accountability,” he said.
Tinubu Confers National Honours, Post-Humous awards on Nigerians
As part of activities marking Nigeria’s 2025 Democracy Day celebration, President Tinubu conferred national honours on dozens of distinguished Nigerians, including posthumous awards for late pro-democracy activists, politicians, journalists, and civil rights leaders.
Tinubu on Thursday conferred national honours on Kudirat Abiola, the wife of the late Moshood Abiola, a former chairman of the defunct National Electoral Commission (NEC), Humphrey Nwosu, a former vice president, Shehu Yar’Adua, among others.
Moshood Abiola won the annulled June 12, 1993, presidential election.
“As we mark a twenty-sixth year of unbroken democracy, it is right to honour those who have made sacrifices in the past, braving all the odds and the guns to ensure we have a regime of democracy in our country,” Tinubu said.
“In this light, I announce the conferment of the posthumous national honour of CFR on Kudirat Abiola, the heroine of the June 12 struggle.”
Apart from these individuals, Tinubu honoured some distinguished Nigerians, including human rights lawyer Femi Falana, Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka, and the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Hassan Kukah, with national awards.
He said, “I also confer national honours on Prof. Wole Soyinka (GCON), Prof. Olatunji Dare (CON), the journalist and journalism teacher; Kunle Ajibade (OON); Nosa Igiebor (OON), Dapo Olorunyomi (OON), Bayo Onanuga (CON), Ayo Obe (OON), Dare Babarinsa (CON), Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah (CON), Senator Shehu Sani (CON), Governor Uba Sani (CON), Barrister Femi Falana, SAN (CON), Prof. Shafideen Amuwo (CON), Barrister Luke Aghanenu (OON), Senator Tokunbo Afikuyomi (CON), Hon. Labaran Maku (OON), Dr. Tunji Alausa (CON), Mr Nick Dazang (OON), Hon Abdul Oroh (OON), Odia Ofeimun (CON), Seye Kehinde (OON), Barrister Felix Morka (CON) Barrister Ledum Mitee (CON), Hon. Olawale Osun (CON), Dr. Amos Akingba (CON), Prof. Segun Gbadegesin (CON), Mobolaji Akinyemi (CFR), Dr. Kayode Shonoiki (CON), Prof. Julius Ihonvbere (CON), Prof. Bayo Williams (CON), Sen. Abu Ibrahim (CFR), and Sen. Ame Ebute (CFR).”
The Ogoni Nine, led by the late environmental activist and writer Ken Saro-Wiwa, also got national honours from President Tinubu.
“Furthermore, I also confer posthumous national honours on Ken Saro Wiwa (CON), the leader of the Ogoni Nine and his fellow travellers, Saturday Dobee (OON), Nordu Eawo (OON), Daniel Gbooko (OON), Paul Levera (OON), Felix Nuate (OON), Baribor Bera (OON), Barinem Kiobel (OON), and John Kpuine (OON),” Tinubu said in his address.
“I shall also be exercising my powers under the prerogative of mercy to grant these national heroes a full pardon, together with others whose names shall be announced later in conjunction with the National Council of State.”
He also granted a national honour of “CON on Uncle Sam Amuka Pemu, a legendary journalist and publisher who remains true to his lifetime calling as he marks his 90th birthday tomorrow, June 13”.
Full list of those given posthumous national awards
- Shehu Musa Yar’Adua (GCFR)
- Prof. Humphrey Nwosu (CON)
- Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu (CON)
- Alhaji Balarabe Musa (CFR)
- Pa. Alfred Rewani (CFR)
- Bagauda Kaltho (OON)
- Chima Ubani (OON)
- Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti (CON)
- Alao Aka Bashorun (CON)
- Chief Frank Kokori (CON)
- Emma Ezeazu (OON)
- Bamidele Aturu (OON)
- Fredrick Fasehun (CON)
- Professor Festus Iyayi (CON)
- Dr John Yima Sen (OON)
- Alhaja Sawaba Gambo (CON)
- Dr. Alex Ibru (CON)
- Chief Bola Ige (CFR)
- Sen. Ayo Fasanmi (CON)
- Sen. Polycarp Nwite (CON)
- Dr. Nurudeen Olowopopo (CON)
