Democracy Day: Tinubu Says Nigeria's Generation Must Secure Prosperity, Defends Reforms and Security Efforts

 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

By Victor Olubiye

President Bola Tinubu has declared that the defining responsibility of the current generation is to secure economic prosperity for Nigeria, urging citizens to protect democracy while supporting reforms aimed at building a stronger and more stable nation.

In his Democracy Day address on Friday, the President celebrated Nigeria's 27 years of uninterrupted democratic governance, describing it as the country's longest period of civilian rule and a testament to the resilience of Nigerians.

He called on citizens to remain committed to democratic values, insisting that despite its imperfections, democracy remains the best path for national development.

"Our generation must secure prosperity," the President declared, noting that while Nigeria's founding fathers achieved independence and the June 12 heroes fought for democracy, the present generation must ensure economic freedom and improved living standards for all.

Tinubu urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, and political stakeholders to conduct peaceful and credible elections in Ekiti and Osun states, warning that democracy suffers when citizens lose confidence in the electoral process.

Addressing young Nigerians, the President encouraged them to build their future within the country by innovating, working, and participating actively in governance through voting.

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He paid tribute to the nation's armed forces, police, intelligence agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders, journalists, activists, labour leaders, students, and democracy advocates whose sacrifices, he said, have sustained Nigeria's democratic journey.

The President also honoured the heroes of the June 12 struggle, including Chief M.K.O. Abiola, Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, Chief Bola Ige, Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti, Frank Kokori, Shehu Musa Yar'Adua, and several others who fought against military rule and paid significant personal sacrifices.

On security, Tinubu acknowledged that the recent abduction of children in Oyo and Borno states had dampened the national mood but assured Nigerians that the government remains determined to restore peace and secure the release of victims.

According to him, the administration has declared a security emergency, approved the recruitment of more than 50,000 police officers alongside thousands of military personnel, and allocated ₦5.41 trillion—the highest defence budget in Nigeria's history—for security operations.

The President stated that military operations have weakened terrorist groups, including the destruction of an ISWAP command centre in Borno State, while noting that over 13,000 terrorists were neutralised within the past year. He added that more than 124,000 fighters and their dependents have surrendered through Operation Safe Corridor since 2023.

Issuing a stern warning to criminals, Tinubu said bandits, kidnappers, and sponsors of terrorism must either surrender or face the full force of the law, stressing that the government's window for surrender would not remain open indefinitely.

Defending his administration's economic reforms, the President argued that difficult decisions taken since 2023 were necessary to rescue Nigeria's finances, improve fiscal transparency, attract investment, and strengthen key sectors of the economy.

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He highlighted increased federation revenues, growth in investments across agriculture, energy, manufacturing, technology, mining, transportation, and the creative industry, as well as improvements in domestic refining capacity and non-oil exports.

Tinubu also outlined reforms in the electricity sector, including the implementation of the Electricity Act, efforts to bridge the metering gap, settlement of legacy debts, and expansion of off-grid and mini-grid power projects to underserved communities.

Despite these achievements, he admitted that many Nigerians continue to face economic hardship and pledged that his administration would remain focused on reducing inflation, creating jobs, increasing food production, and improving living standards.

"The next phase is about accelerating growth and ensuring the benefits are felt in every home, every community, and every region. Democracy must be felt in the pocket," he said.

The President further reiterated his administration's commitment to granting greater financial autonomy to Nigeria's 774 local government councils, arguing that effective grassroots governance is essential for national development and security.

As part of the Democracy Day celebration, Tinubu announced that the Federal Government had approved the revitalisation and renaming of the 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 statesman.

He also announced national honours for dozens of journalists, activists, politicians, lawyers, academics, and military officers who suffered persecution, imprisonment, exile, or other hardships during the struggle for democracy, stating that the full honours list would be released in the coming days.

Concluding his address, the President urged Nigerians to reject division and despair, embrace unity and hope, and renew their commitment to building a nation where justice, liberty, accountability, and opportunity flourish.

"The road ahead is steep. But June 12 reminds us that Nigerians do not break. We bend, we bleed, but we do not break," he said, wishing citizens a happy Democracy Day.