• Grants Ken Saro-Wiwa, other Ogoni leaders Presidential Pardons
• Pa Reuben Fasoranti, Prof. Wole Soyinka, Bishop Kukah, others get national honours
By David Akinadewo-Adekahunsi
In a poignant and wide-ranging address to the joint session of the National Assembly to mark Democracy Day 2025, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to democratic ideals, dismissing fears of a one-party state while celebrating the sacrifices of those who fought to restore and uphold Nigeria’s civilian rule.
Speaking in the hallowed chambers of the legislature, Tinubu said the journey of Nigerian democracy since 1999 had been one of resilience, accomplishment and a firm resolve to deepen democratic culture.
“My heart stirred,” he said, as he entered the assembly, expressing a mix of pride and responsibility.
He declared that the nation’s democracy, though not perfect, is alive and strong, adding, “our dream of a prosperous, happy nation is still within reach and worth fighting for.”
The President used the occasion to pay solemn tribute to the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, MKO, winner of the annulled 1993 elections, and other heroes of democracy, including his wife, Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, Pa Alfred Rewane, and several journalists, activists and political figures who suffered imprisonment, exile and death in the pursuit of democratic governance.
Notably, he announced the conferment of posthumous national honours on dozens of these figures, including Ken Saro-Wiwa and the Ogoni Nine, who were also granted presidential pardons.
Renowned living figures such as Prof. Wole Soyinka, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah and Uncle Sam Amuka Pemu were among those conferred with national honours.
Addressing allegations that his ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), harbours intentions of transforming Nigeria into a one-party state, Tinubu offered a personal rebuttal.
“I would be the last person to advocate such a scheme,” he declared, citing his political history as the lone opposition governor who resisted domination in the early 2000s.
He insisted that political diversity remains a cornerstone of Nigerian democracy and welcomed new entrants to the APC, including governors from Delta and Akwa Ibom states, while advising other parties to put their houses in order rather than panic over defections.
Tinubu struck a tone of bipartisan cooperation, urging legislators to work with him in furthering reforms that would underpin national development.
“While we may not always agree, we must forge a way to work together because this is what democracy demands of us,” he said, highlighting the importance of debate, dialogue and diversity in political thought.
Turning to the state of the economy, Tinubu credited recent reforms with stabilising key economic indicators.
The President noted a GDP growth of 3.4% in 2024, with Q4 reaching 4.6%—the highest in a decade.
Inflation, he said, is easing, the naira stabilising, foreign reserves increasing fivefold, and states are no longer borrowing to pay salaries.
These gains, he argued, stem from deliberate policy shifts including tax reforms, investment in infrastructure and a “Nigeria First” economic vision aimed at achieving food sovereignty and fostering manufacturing growth.
He pointed to specific achievements such as the rollout of affordable consumer credit to over 100,000 Nigerians through the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP), with a target of 400,000 beneficiaries in the next phase.
Tinubu also outlined digital and educational infrastructure efforts, including a nationwide fibre-optic network and investment in youth training and job creation schemes like NELFUND.
In the legislative sphere, the President praised the National Assembly’s cooperation on crucial economic bills, describing it as a “model of democratic partnership.”
He called for further legislative innovation to support industrial development and food security.
On national security, Tinubu asserted that his administration is reclaiming territories from terrorists and criminals, with improved intelligence coordination and investment in technology and personnel training.
He extended heartfelt gratitude to the Armed Forces for their sacrifices, stating, “they deserve not only our gratitude but also our continued support, prayers and recognition.”
The speech culminated with a reaffirmation of the values underpinning the June 12 struggle; freedom, justice, accountability, and civic participation.
“We must always value dialogue over dictatorship, persuasion over suppression and rights over might,” Tinubu urged, stressing tolerance even for sharp criticism as a hallmark of democracy.
In a final flourish, he decorated presiding officers of the National Assembly with their national honours and called for a rededication to the spirit of June 12.
“Happy Democracy Day,” he concluded, “and may God continue to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria and protect our troops.”
