Tinubu honours democracy heroes, urges Nigerians to protect, cherish democracy
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has emphasized the significance of June 12th as a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s history and called on citizens to protect and nurture the country’s hard-fought democracy.
In a national broadcast marking his first Democracy Day as president this morning, Tinubu paid tribute to Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola and other heroes who sacrificed their lives for the cause of democracy.
President Tinubu acknowledged the thirty-year anniversary of Nigerians exercising their right to elect a President in the transition from military rule to a representative government.
He reflected on the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election, which sparked a prolonged struggle that ultimately led to the democracy enjoyed since 1999.
“The opposition to the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election and the pro-democracy movement it unleashed mirror the battle against colonial rule by our founding fathers,” Tinubu said.
He emphasized the enduring validity of Arnold Toynbee’s notion that societies progress through challenges.
Revering the memory of Chief MKO Abiola, President Tinubu lauded his unwavering commitment to democracy, even at the cost of his own life.
“Abiola demonstrated that certain ideals and principles are far more valuable than life itself,” the President declared, urging Nigerians to honor the sacrifices made by Abiola and others.
The President further acknowledged the contributions of Kudirat Abiola, Pa Alfred Rewane, and Major General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua (rtd), who paid the ultimate price in their pursuit of democracy.
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President Tinubu urged citizens never to take democracy for granted, emphasizing the need to protect and cherish it.
Drawing on Nigeria’s history, President Tinubu reflected on the distinctions between the dignity of freedom and the humiliation of tyranny, stating, “True, rancorous debates, electoral contestations, and quarrels may be perceived as unattractive features of democracy. But they also testify to its merit and value.”
Addressing the recent elections, the President recognized the intense competition and emphasized the positive evidence of a robust democracy.
He encouraged those who lost to seek redress through legal channels, highlighting the importance of constitutional provisions.
Tinubu said, “This year, we held the seventh in the cycle of elections that have become sacred rituals of our democratic practice in this dispensation since 1999.
“That the polls were intensely contested is in itself positive evidence that democracy is well and alive in our land. It is only natural that even as those who won and experienced victory in the various elections are elated and fulfilled, those who lost are disenchanted and disappointed.
“But the beauty of democracy is that those who win today can lose tomorrow, and those who lose today will have an opportunity to compete and win in the next round of elections.
“Those who cannot endure and accept the pain of defeat in elections do not deserve the joy of victory when it is their turn to triumph.
“Above all, those who disagree with the outcome of the elections are taking full advantage of the constitutional provisions to seek redress in court, and that is one of the reasons why democracy is still the best form of government invented by man.”
The president underscored the significance of the rule of law and a vibrant judiciary as essential pillars of democracy.
He emphatically stated that Nigeria would no longer tolerate unnecessary illegal orders that undermine democracy and affirmed his commitment to bolstering the rule of law.
President Tinubu highlighted the recent harmonization of the retirement age for judicial officers, which he described as a crucial step towards fortifying the rule of law.
He emphasized that this reform was just the beginning of a comprehensive effort to strengthen Nigeria’s legal system.
“It is about the rule of law and a vibrant judiciary that can be trusted to deliver justice and strengthen institutions,” President Tinubu affirmed.
He further stated, “The unnecessary illegal orders used to truncate or abridge democracy will no longer be tolerated.”
President Tinubu reiterated his commitment to social and economic justice, promising massive investments in transportation infrastructure, education, power supply, healthcare, and other public utilities to improve the lives of Nigerians.
He acknowledged the recent decision to remove fuel subsidy, understanding the burden it places on the people, but assuring them that their sacrifice would not be in vain.
According to him, “It is for this reason that, in my inauguration address on May 29, I gave effect to the decision taken by my predecessor-in-office to remove the fuel subsidy albatross and free up the much-needed resources, which had hitherto been pocketed by a few rich individuals.
“I admit that the decision will impose an extra burden on the masses of our people. I feel your pain. This is one decision we must bear to save our country from going under and take our resources away from the stranglehold of a few unpatriotic elements.
“Painfully, I have asked you, my compatriots, to sacrifice a little more for the survival of our country. For your trust and belief in us, I assure you that your sacrifice shall not be in vain.
“The government I lead will repay you through massive investment in transportation infrastructure, education, regular power supply, healthcare, and other public utilities that will improve the quality of lives.”
Citing MKO Abiola’s vision for a democratic Nigeria, President Tinubu called for a renewed dedication to strengthening the government of free people.
He urged elected officials to fulfill their electoral promises and deliver concrete democracy dividends.
“We shall be faithful to truth, faithful to equity, and faithful to justice. We shall exercise our authority and mandate to govern with fairness, respect for the rule of law, and commitment to always uphold the dignity of all our people,” he added.
President Tinubu extended his wishes for a joyous Democracy Day celebration and expressed his hope that the light of liberty would never be extinguished in Nigeria.
