Democracy Day: Tinubu Defends Reforms, Vows Stronger Security, Announces National Honours

ABUJA, Nigeria — President Bola Tinubu has defended his administration’s economic reforms, pledged intensified efforts to tackle insecurity, and announced national honours for dozens of pro-democracy activists and military officers as Nigeria marked 27 years of uninterrupted democratic rule.

In his Democracy Day address on June 12, Tinubu described Nigeria’s democratic journey as a testament to the resilience of its people, noting that since the return to civilian rule in 1999, the country has witnessed peaceful transitions of power and resolved political disputes through democratic institutions rather than violence.

“Democracy is not perfect, but it is ours, and we must continue to defend and strengthen it,” the president said.

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

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

Tinubu Addresses Security Challenges

The president acknowledged that this year’s Democracy Day celebration was overshadowed by the abduction of schoolchildren in Oyo and Borno states, but expressed optimism that the victims would be rescued safely.

According to him, the administration has declared a security emergency and approved the recruitment of more than 50,000 police officers and thousands of military personnel to strengthen security operations across the country.

Tinubu said the 2026 budget allocated N5.41 trillion to defence and security — the highest security allocation in Nigeria’s history.

“We remain hopeful for their safe return. Democracy without security is not solid enough,” he said.

Highlighting recent gains in the fight against terrorism, the president said security forces had degraded the command centre of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Arege, Borno State.

He added that terror-related deaths have declined by 81 percent since 2015 and that more than 13,000 terrorists were neutralised in the past year.

Tinubu also disclosed that over 124,000 insurgents and their dependents had surrendered through Operation Safe Corridor since 2023.

“To bandits, kidnappers and sponsors of terror: surrender or face the full force of the Nigerian state,” he warned.

Economic Reforms and IMF Assessment

The president defended his administration’s economic policies, arguing that the reforms were necessary to stabilise the economy and lay the foundation for long-term prosperity.

He said Nigeria’s public finances were under severe pressure before the reforms began, forcing the government to make difficult decisions, including ending fuel subsidies and restructuring key sectors.

According to Tinubu, federation revenues have increased significantly, fiscal leakages have been reduced, and investor confidence has improved across sectors including agriculture, energy, manufacturing, technology, mining and transportation.

The president also highlighted growing domestic refining capacity, improved fiscal transparency and increased investments as evidence that the reforms are yielding results.

However, Tinubu acknowledged that many Nigerians continue to face economic hardship despite the reforms.

His remarks come amid concerns raised in the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) recent Article IV report, which noted that poverty and food insecurity remain significant challenges despite improvements in macroeconomic stability.

Addressing the issue, Tinubu said economic growth must translate into tangible improvements in the welfare of citizens.

“Democracy must be felt in the quality of people’s lives — in opportunities for youth, in prosperous farmers, successful entrepreneurs, and the dignity of our workers,” he said.

The president said his administration remains focused on reducing inflation, boosting food production, creating jobs and improving living standards.

Power Sector Reforms

Tinubu also highlighted efforts to address challenges in the electricity sector, which he described as being plagued by chronic generation shortfalls, weak transmission infrastructure, poor revenue collection and significant debt when his administration assumed office.

He said the Electricity Act has empowered states to generate, transmit and distribute electricity independently, while a Presidential Power Sector Task Force is working to reduce the country’s metering deficit and settle verified legacy debts.

The president added that the Rural Electrification Agency, with support from international development partners, has expanded off-grid and mini-grid electricity projects in underserved communities, markets, hospitals and universities.

“Electricity is a democratic dividend we owe every Nigerian. We intend to deliver it,” Tinubu said.

Honouring June 12 Heroes

Reflecting on the significance of June 12, Tinubu paid tribute to Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (M.K.O.) Abiola, widely regarded as the winner of the annulled 1993 presidential election, as well as other prominent figures who played key roles in Nigeria’s pro-democracy struggle.

He honoured the memories of Kudirat Abiola, Gani Fawehinmi, Bola Ige, Alfred Rewane, Abraham Adesanya, Anthony Enahoro, Balarabe Musa, Beko Ransome-Kuti, Frank Kokori, Chima Ubani and Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, among others.

The president also announced national honours for dozens of journalists, activists, politicians, legal practitioners and military officers who participated in the struggle for democracy.

The full honours list, he said, will be released in the coming days.

In addition, Tinubu announced the renaming of the Institute of Petroleum Studies in Kaduna as the General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua University of Geological Sciences and Engineering Technology, in recognition of the late military officer’s contributions to democratic development.

Call for Unity

Tinubu urged Nigerians to remain united despite ongoing challenges, saying the country’s diversity remains one of its greatest strengths.

“June 12 reminds us that Nigerians do not break. We bend, we bleed, but we do not break,” he said.

“Let us renew our covenant that the labours of our heroes past shall never be in vain and that government of the people, by the people, for the people shall not perish from this land.”

The president concluded by wishing Nigerians a happy Democracy Day and reaffirming his administration’s commitment to building a more secure, prosperous and democratic nation.

Also Read: BBNaija: Dede Calls Out Kola Over ‘This Person’ Remark as Former Housemates Revisit Post-Show Fallout

admin

A Lagos-based journalist with a passion for disseminating factual information and a deep appreciation for good music, good food, movies, and beautiful cars. He hopes to travel the world someday, documenting its beauty and diverse cultures through his storytelling.