President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria in his Democracy Day address, commended the sacrifices of Chief Moshood Abiola, the winner of the annulled June 12, 1993, presidential election, and other democracy champions.
He also vowed to support Nigerians amid ongoing economic difficulties.
Tinubu praised democracy heroes like General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, Pa Alfred Rewane, Chief Anthony Enahoro, Chief Abraham Adesanya, Commodore Dan Suleiman, Chief Arthur Nwankwo, and Chief Chukwuemeka Ezeife. Reflecting on their contributions, he remarked, “Thirty-one years ago, we embarked on our journey towards becoming a true democratic society. The struggle cost us dearly, including the lives of Chief MKO Abiola and his wife Kudirat, among others. Their bravery and ultimate sacrifices should never be forgotten.”
In his address, Tinubu emphasized that the struggle for democracy involved significant personal sacrifices, noting, “We lost great heroes and heroines along the way. They bravely surrendered their futures so that our nation might have a better one.”
Tinubu also paid tribute to other democracy advocates including Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu, Chief Frank Kokori, Chief Bola Ige, Chief Adekunle Ajasin, Chief Ganiyu Dawodu, Chief Ayo Fasanmi, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, Chief Olabiyi Durojaiye, Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti, Chima Ubani, General Alani Akinrinade, Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi, Prof. Wole Soyinka, Chief Ralph Obioha, Chief Cornelius Adebayo, Olisa Agbakoba, Femi Falana, Abdul Oroh, Senator Shehu Sani, Governor Uba Sani, Chief Olu Falae, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, and Chief Ayo Opadokun. He noted, “Their sacrifices and the invaluable contributions resulting from their selfless dedication can never be repaid, nor will they be forgotten.”
Highlighting the crucial role of the media, Tinubu said, “We could not have won the battle against military dictatorship without the irrepressible Nigerian journalists who mounted the barricades along with the pro-democracy activists. We celebrate them today, along with their media establishments such as The PUNCH, The Guardian, National Concord, Tribune, The News/Tempo, and TELL Magazines. Military authorities proscribed these media establishments and jailed their journalists for standing for free speech and civil liberties.”
Tinubu reaffirmed his commitment to democracy, warning against those who might seek to exploit Nigeria’s economic challenges. “We must be aware that there are those among us who will try to undermine, if not destroy, this democracy for which so much has already been given,” he cautioned. “This is the great battle of our day and the major reason we especially celebrate this Democracy Day.”
Addressing economic concerns, Tinubu acknowledged the hardships caused by recent reforms but underscored their necessity for long-term growth. “Our economy has been in desperate need of reform for decades. It has been unbalanced because it was built on the flawed foundation of over-reliance on revenues from the exploitation of oil,” he explained. “The reforms we have initiated are intended to create a stronger, better foundation for future growth.”
Tinubu announced plans to submit an executive bill to the National Assembly to codify agreements from ongoing minimum wage negotiations. “We shall soon send an executive bill to enshrine what has been agreed upon as part of our law for the next five years or less. In the face of labour’s call for a national strike, we chose the path of cooperation over conflict.”
Tinubu concluded by urging Nigerians to reaffirm their dedication to achieving economic democracy. “Let us commit ourselves to the fulfilment of its equally important counterpart, the realization of our economic democracy,” he stated.
The President assured citizens of his continued commitment to their well-being,
“I stand uniquely placed in this regard. I am morally and constitutionally bound to preserve this precious form of governance. I vow to do my utmost best to protect your rights, freedoms, and liberties as citizens of Nigeria. Even more than that, I pledge to do whatever is necessary to cement democracy as our way of life,” He said.
