Saraki reveals the role of National Assembly to Nigeria’s democracy

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Abubakar Bukola Saraki, the former president of the Senate, has praised the National Assembly for its vital role in the development of Nigerian democracy, calling it the “bedrock of democracy” and the branch of government that most reflects the will of the people.

In a succinct but powerful statement posted on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, Saraki underscored this point as the country celebrated 26 years since it returned to democratic rule. His comments were made in conjunction with his attendance at the National Assembly’s joint session on Thursday to celebrate Democracy Day.

“I congratulate all Nigerians at home and abroad on the 26th anniversary of democracy. This achievement is a result of the sacrifice and perseverance by all of us and as such we deserve a pat on the back for this,” Saraki wrote.

He honored the known and unknown pro-democracy heroes of Nigeria who opposed military tyranny and cleared the path for democratic freedom.

“Let me join all of us in remembering and celebrating our heroes and heroines of democracy who paid different types of prices and those who made various sacrifices to end military rule and return our country to democracy,” he stated. “From the known political leaders to the unsung and unknown protesters on the streets who lost their lives, limbs, and livelihoods… May Almighty God bless all their souls.”

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was also thanked by Saraki for attending the memorial event in the National Assembly chamber, pointing out that the location was meaningful.

“I want us all to reflect and celebrate our heroes and heroines of democracy who paid different types of costs and those who made different sacrifices to end military rule and restore our country to democracy,” he stated. “From political leaders we now know today to other people we will never know or remember, the scores of people on the streets who lost their lives, limbs, livelihoods… May Almighty God bless all their souls.”

In closing, he said that the location of this year’s remembrance conveyed a powerful message about the importance of parliamentary governance in Nigerian democracy.

“Today’s gathering indicates clearly that the legislature is the bedrock of democracy,” he said. “The Nigerian leadership did not gather in Aso Rock Villa, or the foyer of the Supreme Court, or the covered seats of Eagle Square to celebrate democracy. We are here in the Green Chamber of the National Assembly to celebrate representative government.”

Many Nigerians who shared Saraki’s views responded to the post online, with some users emphasizing the necessity of a more powerful and independent legislative in light of the country’s mounting problems.

Several memorial activities focusing on the nation’s democratic development after the end of military dictatorship in 1999 were held nationwide to honor Democracy Day.

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