Democracy: Tinubu Urges Nigerians To Secure Economic Prosperity
President Bola Tinubu has called on Nigerians to make economic freedom the defining task of this generation, saying political democracy achieved on June 12 must now translate into better living standards for citizens.
This statement was disclosed in his 2026 Democracy Day address and made available to newsmen yesterday via his official X handle (formally twitter).
The statement added that, “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.”
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He said the 27 years of unbroken civilian rule since May 29, 1999 remain Nigeria’s longest stretch of democratic governance.
Furthermore, the President praised Nigerians for choosing leaders through the ballot and resolving disputes peacefully, while also urging the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and political parties to ensure credibility in the upcoming Ekiti and Osun elections.
“Our democracy is not perfect, but it is ours, and we must continue to defend and strengthen it,” he said.
Addressing the issue of insecurity ravaging the country, Tinubu expressed concern over the abduction of school children in Oyo and Borno States and declared a “security emergency” and recruitment of over 50,000 police officers and thousands of military personnel.
“Though this year’s mood is dampened by the abduction of our children in Oyo and Borno, we remain hopeful for their safe return,” he said.
President Tinubu said the 2026 budget earmarks N5.41 trillion for defence and security, marking the biggest allocation in Nigeria’s history.
According to him, security forces have taken out ISWAP’s command centre in Arege, Borno, while terrorism-related fatalities have fallen 81% since 2015, with over 13,000 terrorists killed in the last year.
Also speaking on Amnesty, Tinubu said government still welcomes repentant insurgents.
“Over 124,000 fighters and dependents have laid down their arms since 2023 through Operation Safe Corridor_,” he stated. He also issued a warning to bandits and kidnappers: “_Surrender or face the full force of the Nigerian State.”
Turning to the economy, Tinubu said reforms since 2023 have restored stability and investor confidence, adding that the federation revenues have risen, giving states and local governments more resources for infrastructure, education, healthcare, and security.
The President paid tribute to June 12 heroes including Chief M.K.O. Abiola, Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, and Chief Bola Ige, while also announcing national honours for activists, journalists, and “soldier-democrats” who suffered for democracy, and renamed the Institute of Petroleum Studies, Kaduna as General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua University.
Tinubu therefore urged unity and rejected division ahead of the future, saying that, “Let us move forward together rejecting division, cynicism, and despair; embracing unity, hope, and confidence.
“Fellow Nigerians, 27 years ago, many doubted democracy would survive here because of our diversity. Today, our diversity sustains our democracy. Nigerians do not break. We bend, we bleed, but we do not break,” Tinubu added.
By Abdulbaqi Jibreel Ajao
