Amidst confusion, Tinubu’s appears before joint sitting 

Speaker Abbas informed that all expected activities to be carried out by President Tinubu will take place on June 12 which is the actual Democracy Day.

Amidst the earlier confusion on the conflicting statements from Tinubu’s Special Advisers, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu alongside his vice, Kashim Shettima were present at the joint sitting of the Senate and House of Representatives.

The convoy of the president arrived at the National Assembly at exactly 11:57 a.m. 

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Abdullahi Ganduje was present at the National Assembly complex with some party leaders.

Also present were former Speaker of the House, Patricia Etteh, the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, and Governor of Borno State, Babagana Umara Zulum amongst others.

Meanwhile, the Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas informed the public that the President would not be briefing them saying it was an error from them (the lawmakers) and they had been “corrected by the president.”

According to him, all expected activities to be carried out today will take place on June 12 which is the actual Democracy Day.

He stated that the president will only flag off the Old National Anthem which has come into effect with the signing of the National Anthem Bill.

He said, “Whatever speeches we are going to have should be reserved for June 12th. So, honourable colleagues and distinguished senators, forgive us for such a dislodge. 

“It shall now be June 12th. I want to also especially thank you all for the role you played in ensuring that the National Anthem Act Bill was judiciously and expeditiously passed by both the Senate and the House and as the Senate President has just mentioned, Mr. President has assented to that particular bill. It is now an act,” he added.

Notably, on Tinubu’s arrival, the lawmakers recited the new national anthem, “Nigeria, we hail thee” which he had earlier signed into law.

He thereafter briefed the lawmakers for about seven (7) minutes commending the federal lawmakers for collaborating with the executive in building the nation.

The President also lauded the lawmakers for their efforts in sustaining the nation’s democracy for over two decades.

“Out of respect, I want to say thank you very much. This is the institution building the country. Our friends, old and new, to every Nigerian, I say congratulations to 25 years of unbroken democracy,” he added.