In his Democracy Day address today, President Tinubu described June 12 as a specifying minute in Nigeria’s democratic journey and commemorated the males and females whose sacrifices helped protect the liberties Nigerians enjoy today.
The President noted that since the go back to civilian guideline in 1999, Nigeria has experienced its longest period of democratic governance, identified by regular elections, peaceful shifts of power, and the resolution of political disagreements through constitutional institutions instead of violence.
“Our democracy is not ideal, however it is ours, and we should continue to protect and strengthen it,” Tinubu stated.
Require Credible Elections
Ahead of upcoming elections in Ekiti and Osun States, the President urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, political celebrations, and other stakeholders to ensure serene and reliable polls.
He worried that public self-confidence in electoral processes remains important to the survival of democracy and called on the National Assembly, Judiciary, media, and civil society organizations to continue playing their roles as guardians of democratic accountability.
Message to Nigerian Youth
Dealing with young Nigerians, Tinubu motivated them to actively participate in nation-building and democratic processes.
Nigeria is your home and your future. Develop here, code here, work here, and vote here,
he stated, prompting the nation’s youth to contribute services to national difficulties rather than lose faith in the future.
Security Remains a Top Priority
The President acknowledged growing concerns over insecurity, particularly the recent abductions of kids in Oyo and Borno States, while expressing optimism that the victims would be safely reunited with their households.
According to him, the administration has actually heightened efforts to fight terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping through increased recruitment into security companies and extraordinary financial investments in the sector.
Tinubu divulged that the 2026 budget assigns N5.41 trillion to defence and security, describing it as the largest security allowance in Nigeria’s history.
He further highlighted military operations versus terrorist groups, declaring substantial reductions in terror-related deaths and the neutralisation of countless insurgents over the previous year.
The President likewise stressed the federal government’s deradicalisation and rehabilitation efforts through Operation Safe Passage, keeping in mind that thousands of former fighters and their dependents had surrendered and welcomed reintegration programs.
Honouring Democracy Heroes
A substantial portion of the address concentrated on commemorating the heroes of the June 12 battle.
The President paid tribute to the late Chief M.K.O. Abiola, extensively considered the winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, as well as Alhaja Kudirat Abiola and a number of pro-democracy activists who resisted military guideline.
READ ALSO:
He also kept in mind prominent figures including Chief Gani Fawehinmi, Chief Bola Ige, Chief Alfred Rewane, Pa Abraham Adesanya, Chief Anthony Enahoro, Dr Beko Ransome-Kuti, Frank Kokori, Chima Ubani, Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, and numerous others who contributed to Nigeria’s democratic advancement.
In addition, Tinubu announced nationwide honours for lots of journalists, activists, legal representatives, politicians, and military officers who played essential functions during the struggle for democracy.
The complete honours list, he said, would be launched in the coming days.
Economic Reforms and Prosperity Agenda
Safeguarding his administration’s economic reforms, Tinubu argued that tough choices taken considering that 2023 were necessary to restore stability to public financial resources and create conditions for long-term growth.
According to the President, government earnings have actually increased, fiscal transparency has actually improved, and financier self-confidence is slowly returning across key sectors including agriculture, production, energy, innovation, mining, transport, and the creative economy.
He likewise indicated improvements in domestic refining capability and continuous efforts to enhance Nigeria’s energy security.
Electricity Sector Transformation
The President highlighted reforms in the power sector, describing the Electrical energy Function as a landmark policy that empowers states to generate, send, and disperse electrical energy.
He said the administration is working to minimize the nation’s metering deficit while resolving longstanding debts within the electrical energy value chain.
Tinubu added that rural electrification efforts, supported by advancement partners consisting of the World Bank and the African Development Bank, are expanding access to power in underserved neighborhoods, markets, universities, and health care centers.
Local Government Autonomy
The President also reiterated his administration’s support for greater monetary autonomy for Nigeria’s 774 city government councils.
He argued that effective grassroots governance is vital for development and nationwide security, keeping in mind that weak local institutions have actually contributed to insecurity and underdevelopment in lots of parts of the nation.
A Call for Unity
Concluding his address, Tinubu urged Nigerians to decline division, cynicism, and anguish and instead embrace unity, hope, and collective responsibility.
He described success as the specifying obstacle of the existing generation, simply as independence specified the mission of Nigeria’s starting dads and democracy defined the struggle of the June 12 movement.
“The heroes of June 12 secured political freedom. Our challenge is to secure financial freedom,” the President stated.
As Nigeria marked another Democracy Day, Tinubu got in touch with residents to renew their dedication to constructing a nation where justice, chance, and liable governance stay accessible to all.
“June 12 reminds us: Nigerians do not break. We bend, we bleed, however we do not break,” he declared.