DEMOCRACY DAY: Tinubu Tasks Nigerians on Economic Freedom, Confers National Honours on Democracy Heroes

DEMOCRACY DAY: Tinubu Tasks Nigerians on Economic Freedom, Confers National Honours on Democracy Heroes

 President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday called on Nigerians to unite behind efforts to secure economic prosperity, declaring that while the generation of June 12 won the battle for democracy, the present generation must focus on achieving economic freedom and national development.

In his nationwide address to mark the 2026 Democracy Day celebration, the President reflected on Nigeria’s 27 years of uninterrupted democratic governance, describing it as the longest period of civilian rule in the country’s history.

“Every generation has a defining responsibility. The generation of our founding fathers secured independence; the generation of June 12 secured democracy. Our generation must secure prosperity,” Tinubu said.

He noted that since the return to democratic rule in 1999, Nigerians have consistently elected their leaders through the ballot box, witnessed peaceful transitions of power, and resolved political disputes through democratic institutions rather than violence.

The President urged electoral stakeholders to ensure peaceful and credible elections in Ekiti and Osun states in the coming days, stressing that public confidence in the electoral process remains vital to the survival of democracy.

He also called on the National Assembly, the judiciary, the media and civil society organisations to continue playing their roles in safeguarding democratic governance.

Addressing the nation’s youth, Tinubu encouraged them to remain committed to building Nigeria.

“Nigeria is your home and your future. Build here, code here, work here and vote here. Every great nation was built by those who stayed to solve problems,” he said.

Security Gains and Ongoing Challenges

The President acknowledged that this year’s Democracy Day celebration was overshadowed by the recent abduction of schoolchildren in Oyo and Borno states but expressed optimism about their safe return.

Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to tackling insecurity, Tinubu said the government had declared a security emergency, approved the recruitment of over 50,000 police officers and thousands of military personnel, and allocated a record N5.41 trillion to defence and security in the 2026 budget.

He disclosed that military operations had significantly weakened terrorist groups, citing the degradation of an ISWAP command centre in Arege, Borno State.

According to him, terror-related deaths have declined by 81 per cent since 2015, while more than 13,000 terrorists were neutralised in the past year. He added that over 124,000 insurgents and their dependants had surrendered since 2023 under Operation Safe Corridor.

Tinubu warned bandits, kidnappers and sponsors of terrorism to either surrender or face decisive action from the state.

“No mercy will be shown to those who trade in the blood of Nigerians,” he declared.

Tribute to June 12 Heroes

The President paid tribute to the heroes of the June 12 struggle, particularly the presumed winner of the annulled 1993 presidential election, Chief M.K.O. Abiola, and his wife, Alhaja Kudirat Abiola.

He also honoured several pro-democracy activists and statesmen, including Chief Gani Fawehinmi, Chief Bola Ige, Chief Alfred Rewane, Pa Abraham Adesanya, Chief Anthony Enahoro, Alhaji Balarabe Musa, Commodore Dan Suleiman, Dr Beko Ransome-Kuti, Frank Kokori, Arthur Nwankwo, Chima Ubani and Shehu Musa Yar’Adua.

According to him, their sacrifices laid the foundation for the democratic freedoms Nigerians enjoy today.

“The greatest tribute we can pay them is to build a Nigeria where freedom is protected, justice is upheld, opportunity is expanded and government is accountable,” he said.

Economic Reforms Showing Results

Defending his administration’s economic reforms, Tinubu said the measures introduced since 2023 were necessary to stabilise public finances, restore investor confidence and position the country for long-term growth.

He said federation revenues had increased, fiscal transparency had improved and investments were expanding across key sectors including agriculture, energy, manufacturing, technology, mining, transportation and the creative economy.

The President also highlighted progress in domestic petroleum refining, saying increased refining capacity had strengthened Nigeria’s energy security and reduced dependence on imported fuel.

On the power sector, Tinubu said his administration inherited an industry plagued by inadequate generation, weak transmission infrastructure, huge debts and a metering deficit exceeding four million customers.

He noted that the Electricity Act had empowered states to participate in electricity generation, transmission and distribution, while a Presidential Power Sector Task Force was working to close the metering gap and resolve legacy debts.

The Rural Electrification Agency, supported by international development partners, had also expanded off-grid and mini-grid electricity projects to underserved communities, universities, markets and hospitals across the country, he added.

Focus on Economic Relief

Despite reporting positive economic indicators, the President acknowledged that many Nigerians continue to face hardship.

He said the government remained focused on reducing inflation, boosting food production, creating jobs, improving living standards and rebuilding public confidence in the economy.

“We are moving from uncertainty to stability. 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,” Tinubu stated.

He further reiterated his administration’s support for financial autonomy for the country’s 774 local government councils, arguing that effective grassroots governance is essential for development and security.

Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Institution Renamed

As part of activities marking Democracy Day, Tinubu announced the renaming of the completed Institute of Petroleum Studies in Kaduna as the General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua University of Geological Sciences and Engineering Technology.

He said the decision was taken to honour the late military officer and pro-democracy advocate for his contributions to national unity and democratic development.

The President also announced national honours for dozens of journalists, activists, politicians, lawyers and military officers who participated in the struggle for democracy, noting that the full honours list would be released in the coming days.

Call for Unity

Concluding his address, Tinubu urged Nigerians to reject division, cynicism and despair, while embracing unity, hope and collective purpose.

He expressed confidence in the country’s future, saying Nigeria’s diversity remains one of its greatest strengths.

“The road ahead is steep. But June 12 reminds us that Nigerians do not break. We bend, we bleed, but we do not break,” the President said.

He called on citizens to renew their commitment to the ideals of democracy and nation-building, assuring that the sacrifices of Nigeria’s democratic heroes would never be in vain.

By TimesNG