By Steven Atokolo
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday urged Nigerians to remain steadfast in their commitment to democracy, declaring that the next national challenge after securing political freedom is achieving economic prosperity for all citizens.
In his Democracy Day address marking 27 years of uninterrupted civilian rule, President Tinubu said Nigeria’s democratic journey, though imperfect, remains a collective achievement that must be protected and strengthened.
He noted that since the return to democratic governance in 1999, Nigerians have consistently chosen their leaders through elections, witnessed peaceful transfers of power, and resolved political disagreements through democratic institutions rather than violence.
The President called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and political parties to ensure that forthcoming governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states are peaceful, transparent and credible.
“Democracy fails when citizens doubt the process,” he said, while urging the National Assembly, Judiciary, media and civil society organisations to continue playing their roles as guardians of the republic.
Addressing Nigerian youths, Tinubu encouraged them to remain committed to building the country through innovation, enterprise, work and active participation in the electoral process.
He also paid tribute to members of the armed forces, police, intelligence agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders and community leaders for their contributions to national peace and security.
The President acknowledged the pain caused by the recent abduction of schoolchildren in Oyo and Borno states, but expressed optimism that the victims would be rescued safely.
According to him, his administration’s response to insecurity includes the recruitment of more than 50,000 additional police officers and thousands of military personnel, backed by a record N5.41 trillion allocation to defence and security in the 2026 budget.
Tinubu disclosed that Nigeria’s security forces have recorded significant gains against terrorism, including the degradation of an ISWAP command centre in Arege, Borno State. He said terror-related deaths have declined by 81 per cent since 2015, while over 13,000 terrorists were neutralised within the last year.
He added that more than 124,000 fighters and their dependents have surrendered since 2023 under Operation Safe Corridor.
The President warned bandits, kidnappers and sponsors of terrorism to surrender or face decisive action from the state.
“No mercy will be shown to those who trade in the blood of Nigerians,” he declared.
Reflecting on the significance of June 12, Tinubu described it as a defining moment in Nigeria’s democratic history and paid tribute to Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola, Alhaja Kudirat Abiola and several other prominent figures who sacrificed for the restoration of democracy.
He said the greatest tribute to the heroes of democracy would be the building of a nation where freedom, justice, accountability and opportunity are guaranteed for all citizens.
The President maintained that while the June 12 struggle secured political freedom, the current generation must secure economic freedom for Nigerians.
He defended the economic reforms introduced by his administration since 2023, saying they were necessary to restore stability to public finances, improve fiscal transparency and attract investment.
According to him, federation revenues have increased, enabling states and local governments to undertake more development projects, while investor confidence has improved across sectors including agriculture, energy, manufacturing, technology, mining, transportation and the creative industry.
Tinubu also highlighted progress in the energy sector, including increased domestic refining capacity and reforms aimed at addressing longstanding challenges in electricity generation, transmission and distribution.
He noted that the Electricity Act has empowered states to generate, transmit and distribute electricity, while efforts are ongoing to bridge the country’s metering deficit and settle legacy debts within the power sector.
The President said infrastructure projects nationwide are enhancing economic activities, while the National Agricultural Development Fund is deploying 10,000 tractors over five years to boost food production.
He added that more than 1,000 small and medium-scale enterprises have been certified for export, while non-oil exports grew by 21 per cent in the last year.
Despite these gains, Tinubu acknowledged that many Nigerians continue to face economic hardship and assured citizens that government remains focused on reducing inflation, creating jobs, improving living standards and sustaining economic growth.
He stressed that democracy must translate into tangible benefits for ordinary Nigerians, saying his administration’s push for financial autonomy for the 774 local government councils is aimed at improving governance and development at the grassroots level.
“Our generation must secure prosperity,” he said, urging Nigerians to reject division and embrace unity, hope and confidence in the nation’s future.
As part of activities marking Democracy Day, the President announced the Federal Government’s decision to rename the completed Institute of Petroleum Studies in Kaduna as the General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua University of Geological Sciences and Engineering Technology in honour of the late military officer and democracy advocate.
Tinubu also announced national honours for dozens of pro-democracy activists, journalists, lawyers, academics and political figures who suffered persecution, imprisonment, exile and other hardships during the struggle for democratic rule.
He further recognised several military officers whom he described as “soldier-democrats” for their roles in the June 12 movement.
The President said the full honours list would be released in the coming days.
Tinubu said Nigeria’s diversity remains a source of democratic strength rather than division and urged citizens to renew their commitment to the ideals of freedom, justice and democratic governance.
“The road ahead is steep. But June 12 reminds us: Nigerians do not break. We bend, we bleed, but we do not break,” he said.
He called on citizens to ensure that the sacrifices of the nation’s democratic heroes are never forgotten and that government of the people, by the people and for the people continues to flourish in Nigeria.
