President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his resolve to safeguard and build Nigeria’s democracy, fulfilling its primary purpose of protecting and ensuring that all citizens have equal access to participate in the political process and influence decisions that affect their lives.
He stated this at the National Assembly on Thursday, while addressing a joint session of lawmakers during the June 12 Democracy Day celebrations, Abuja.
The President also paid tribute to former President Muhammadu Buhari for reaching back into history to rectify “a national misdeed by making June 12 Democracy Day and by officially acknowledging Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola and his running mate, Babagana Kingibe, as the victors and duly elected President and Vice President respectively of Nigeria after the June 12, 1993 elections.
He said; “Today, as I entered this grand edifice built from the sweat and toil of our democratic yearning, my heart stirred. It was a blend of accomplishment and resolve. I felt a sense of collective accomplishment when I realised how far we had come as a nation. Since 1999, democracy has risen from the ashes and destitution of military rule to take its rightful place as the only mode of governance of our resilient and beloved people.
“With every footstep I took through these hallowed halls up to the moment I now stand before you, I remembered that we still have much further to go. To achieve this progress, we sought an elective office to lead this nation forward. Thus, I hereby affirm before our Merciful and Almighty God and all men my resolve to do all that I can to safeguard and build our democracy as the Divine hand intends for us to do.”
The Nigerian Leader said that his administration has intensified security operations across the country to reclaim communities from criminals and terrorists, and has improved coordination of intelligence and inter-agency cooperation. The administration is also investing in technology and training to secure every inch of the country.
Emphasising that National Security is the foundation of peace and progress, the President stressed that the government is much better at coordinating intelligence, while inter-agency cooperation has improved.
He said; “National Security is the foundation of peace and progress. We have intensified security operations to reclaim communities from criminals and terrorists. We are better at coordinating intelligence, and inter-agency cooperation has improved.”
President Tinubu commended the armed forces for their unwavering commitment to defending the country’s sovereignty and protecting its people, emphasising that their dedication is a source of inspiration for all citizens.
“Let us take this opportunity to thank the men and women of our Armed Forces for their bravery in the service of the nation. Their selfless dedication to protecting our sovereignty and ensuring the safety of citizens should serve as an inspiration to us all. As we celebrate the progress of our democracy, we must not forget the pivotal role they play in safeguarding our freedoms. For their courage and commitment, they deserve not only our gratitude but also our continued support, prayers and recognition.
“Fellow compatriots, our achievements are not the work of one man. They are the result of a collective effort to make possible the Nigerian Dream. Yet, the journey is not over. We must work even harder to translate broad macroeconomic gains into tangible improvements in the lives of ordinary Nigerians. We must stay the course, reject cynicism, and believe Nigeria can and will rise again,” the President added.
The theme of the June 12, Nigeria’s Democracy Day celebration is: “26 years of Democracy: Renewing Our Commitment To National Development.”
VON