Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
President Ahmed Tinubu, has commended the National Assembly over its patriotic roles in protecting Nigeria’s democracy against anti-democratic forces.
Tinubu who made the commendation while addressing a joint session of the National Assembly in commemoration of this year’s Democracy Day, particularly hailed the Senator Ken Nnamani-led 5th National Assembly members for their courage in shooting down the obnoxious third term agenda promoted by former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
He also acknowledged the role of the 3rd National Assembly which resisted an attempt by the military to legitimize June 12 presidential poll annulment.
He said: “Mr. Chairman, the National Assembly has acted to uphold democratic ideals at every critical moment in our national history. In 2006, the 5th National Assembly protected our democracy against an unseemly third-term bid that would have ripped our constitution apart.
“In 2010, the National Assembly, through the doctrine of necessity, opened the door for then-Vice President Goodluck Jonathan to become the acting President following the illness of his predecessor.
“Even under the military, the National Assembly tried to protect our democracy. After General Abacha took over power on November 17, 1993, and dissolved the National Assembly, some of us, led by Senator Ameh Ebute, the Senate President in the 3rd Republic, defied the General and his goons to reconvene in the Old Parliament Building in Lagos.
“We were jailed for our defiance. On behalf of a grateful nation, I commend your invaluable role in lawmaking, oversight, and constituency representation.”
