My fellow Nigerians,
Today, on June 12, 2024, we celebrate another Democracy Day, marking 25 years of uninterrupted democratic governance. This day is a reminder of our nation’s passage to becoming a true and enduring democratic society, which began 31 years ago.
The Struggle for Democracy
The journey to democracy was arduous and dangerous. During the six years following June 12, 1993, we fought for our natural rights as human beings. We lost many heroes and heroines, including Chief MKO Abiola, Kudirat Abiola, General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, and Pa Alfred Rewane. They sacrificed their futures for a better nation.
We must honor the memories of Chief Anthony Enahoro, Chief Abraham Adesanya, Commodore Dan Suleiman, Chief Arthur Nwankwo, Chief Chukwuemeka Ezeife, Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu, Chief Frank Kokori, Chief Bola Ige, Chief Adekunle Ajasin, Chief Ganiyu Dawodu, Chief Ayo Fasanmi, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, Chief Olabiyi Durojaiye, Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti, Chima Ubani, and many others.
Recognizing Our Heroes and Heroines
The sacrifices of General Alani Akinrinade, Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, Professor Wole Soyinka, Chief Ralph Obioha, Chief Cornelius Adebayo, and others should never be forgotten. They endured the pains of life in exile to keep the fight alive. Meanwhile, activists like Olisa Agbakoba, Femi Falana, Abdul Oroh, Senator Shehu Sani, Governor Uba Sani, Chief Olu Falae, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, and Chief Ayo Opadokun sustained the pressure on the military at home.
Journalists and media establishments like The Punch, Guardian, National Concord, Tribune, The News/Tempo, and TELL Magazines played a crucial role. Despite being proscribed and jailed, they stood for free speech and civil liberties. Their bravery helped us transition from military rule to democracy in 1999, making Nigeria the most populous democracy in Africa.
Our Democratic Journey
Today, we celebrate 25 years of democracy. Democracy is not just about holding elections but about a way of life that respects diverse perspectives and resolves differences through dialogue, not force. It demands leaders to serve the common good and ensures freedom and liberty for all citizens.
Challenges and Commitments
As your President, I am committed to protecting your rights and liberties. Our economy has faced challenges, primarily due to an over-reliance on oil revenues. The reforms we have initiated are necessary to create a stronger foundation for future growth. These reforms have caused hardships, but they are essential for long-term prosperity.
We have engaged with organized labor to negotiate a new national minimum wage, demonstrating our commitment to cooperation over conflict. Reasoned discussion and principled compromise will continue to guide my policies.
The Path Forward
Our national greatness lies not in taking the easy road but the right one. As President Franklin Roosevelt once said, “There are many ways of going forward. But only one way of standing still.” We must keep moving forward to achieve a brighter tomorrow.
Let us continue to uphold the spirit of democracy and work together to move Nigeria forward. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria and preserve our democracy.
Happy Democracy Day to all.
This is the text of President Bola Tinubu’s National Broadcast on the 25th Anniversary of Unbroken Democracy in Nigeria, Democracy Day, June 12, 2024.