Former Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has revealed that his official portrait was missing from the Senate Gallery meant to honour former presiding officers for four years.
According to him, the portrait was only recently restored under the leadership of Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
“Just as my portrait was missing for four years in the Senate Gallery created for all former presiding officers, it was brought in just recently,” Saraki stated in a prepared Democracy Day message titled
“The National Assembly and Nigeria’s Democracy in the Last 26 Years”. “I thank my good friend, Senator Godswill Akpabio, for that.”
The former Senate President disclosed that he had prepared to deliver the speech at the joint session of the National Assembly on June 12, Democracy Day, but could not do so due to time constraints.
Saraki, who led the upper chamber from 2015 to 2019, used the occasion to reflect on Nigeria’s democratic evolution and the growing need to protect the integrity of the legislature.
He commended Nigerians for their enduring faith in democracy and paid homage to heroes of the democratic struggle, particularly those who paid the ultimate price. “We must never forget the sacrifices of those who fought to end military rule,” he said.
Saraki also lauded President Bola Tinubu for choosing to commemorate Democracy Day at the National Assembly complex rather than at the Presidential Villa.
“Today’s gathering indicates clearly that the legislature is the bedrock of democracy,” he affirmed.
Recalling pivotal moments in Nigeria’s democratic journey, Saraki highlighted how the National Assembly resisted tenure elongation during the third-term saga, and how it played a decisive role through the Doctrine of Necessity during constitutional uncertainty.
However, he raised concerns over the diminishing strength of the legislature, saying it has become a shadow of its former self.
“We owe it a duty to those who fought for the present democracy and the generations to come to strengthen this institution,” he said.
Saraki was critical of the increasing interference from both the executive and judiciary, accusing them of undermining the legislative arm.
“Our legislature is being weakened through misinterpretation of its powers, interference in its leadership, and the erosion of its independence,” he said.
He called for respect for opposing views and the principles of multiparty democracy.
“The voting system in parliament is ‘Aye’ and ‘Nay’. It is not designed to be one-sided,” he explained.
“Democracy thrives when minority voices are heard, even if the majority carries the vote.”
He further stressed the importance of youth and women inclusion in the political space. He referenced the Not Too Young To Run Act as a step in the right direction, while calling for deeper institutional reforms that promote participation.
Saraki also expressed gratitude to the current 10th National Assembly for inviting him to the joint session, despite being a member of the opposition.
“If it were in another time, they would have been looking at the body language of the President and my invite would have gotten missing. Just like my portrait,” he said with a hint of sarcasm.
He ended his remarks with a patriotic call: “We must build a more inclusive and resilient National Assembly. One that remains a check on executive power and a voice for all Nigerians. Happy Democracy Day to all Nigerians. God bless our dear country. God bless us all.”
