Democracy Not Perfect but Alive: Tinubu Marks June 12 with Bold Speech, Honours Democracy Heroes, Affirms Reforms

 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Wednesday, delivered a rousing Democracy Day address to a joint session of Nigeria’s National Assembly, delivering a speech rich with reflection, gratitude, and renewed commitment to democratic governance. Speaking inside the hallowed chambers of the National Assembly, Tinubu used the occasion to chart the journey of Nigeria’s democratic evolution and outline his administration’s plans to deepen democratic values and expand economic opportunity.

The president stood before the lawmakers with a blend of solemnity and resolve, acknowledging the weight of the moment. Democracy Day, observed on June 12, commemorates the pivotal 1993 election and the struggle that ensued afterward. The president said the date was not only about one man—Chief MKO Abiola—but also a tribute to a national spirit that resisted tyranny and insisted on representative governance.

Recalling the sacrifices made in the name of democracy, Tinubu honored a long list of patriots—activists, journalists, politicians, and ordinary citizens—many of whom paid with their lives or liberties. Among them were Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, Pa Alfred Rewane, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, and journalist Bagauda Kaltho. The president emphasized that the democratic struggle was never regional but pan-Nigerian in both form and consequence.

“You are the authors of the people’s law, and I must be their faithful implementer,” he declared, appealing to the legislators to continue fostering bipartisan cooperation. Tinubu invoked historic moments where the National Assembly had defended democratic ideals—such as its rejection of the third-term agenda in 2006 and the invocation of the doctrine of necessity in 2010 to empower Goodluck Jonathan during a constitutional crisis.

Rubbishing suggestions that Nigeria is on the path to a one-party state, the president assured the public that political pluralism remains protected. “At no time in the past, nor any instance in the present, and at no future juncture shall I view the notion of a one-party state as good for Nigeria,” he said. Pointing to his own record of opposition during the early 2000s, he recalled resisting pressures even as the sole remaining opposition governor in the South West.

With a tinge of political wit, Tinubu quipped, “We cannot blame anybody seeking to bail out of a sinking ship even without a life jacket,” referring to political defections from other parties into the APC. He welcomed the most recent entrants—Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta and Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom—urging all parties to improve their internal structures instead of speculating about plots to eliminate opposition.

While the occasion was steeped in history, Tinubu also pivoted to contemporary issues, particularly the economy. He celebrated modest successes of his administration's reforms, noting a 3.4% GDP growth in 2024 with the fourth quarter reaching 4.6%, the highest in over a decade. Stabilisation of the naira, rising foreign reserves, and improvements in Nigeria’s sovereign credit outlook were also touted as signs of economic recovery.

Consumer credit featured prominently in his economic roadmap. Through the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP), more than 100,000 Nigerians have received access to credit, including 35,000 civil servants. Tinubu also announced a forthcoming July initiative aimed at providing consumer credit to 400,000 young Nigerians, including National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members.

Digital infrastructure is also receiving attention, with a national fibre optic cable rollout designed to enhance internet access and technological connectivity. The goal, he explained, is to bridge the digital divide and empower Nigeria’s youth to thrive in a knowledge-driven global economy.

On education and youth development, the president highlighted the National Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) as part of his administration’s effort to prepare young people for the future of work through training, vocational skills, and apprenticeships. A manufacturing revival remains a central ambition, with a growth target of 7% and a renewed push toward food sovereignty and industrial expansion.

Addressing fiscal reforms, Tinubu revealed that new tax legislation is under way, awaiting final legislative nod. He thanked both chambers of the National Assembly for their collaboration and called for continued support in crafting laws that promote industrialization and economic inclusion.

Security, a persistent concern for the nation, was also discussed. The president acknowledged the bravery of Nigeria’s armed forces and revealed improved intelligence-sharing and inter-agency cooperation as part of ongoing operations to secure the country’s territory. He described the highways as “safer” and pledged more investment in technology and training to combat terrorism and crime.

To honour the memory of Nigeria’s pro-democracy heroes, Tinubu announced the conferment of national honours on over 60 individuals. Alhaja Kudirat Abiola received the posthumous Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) award, alongside other icons such as Shehu Musa Yar’Adua (GCFR), Professor Humphrey Nwosu (CON), Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti (CON), and Ken Saro-Wiwa (CON). The Ogoni 9—executed environmental activists—were also included and granted full presidential pardons.

He extended similar honours to living champions of civil rights and media freedom, including Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka (GCON), journalist Kunle Ajibade (OON), Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah (CON), and human rights lawyer Femi Falana (CON). Special recognition was also given to veteran journalist Sam Amuka-Pemu, who turns 90 on June 13.

Capping off the ceremony, President Tinubu personally decorated the presiding officers of the National Assembly with their previously awarded honours. Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker Tajudeen Abbas were among those recognized with the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) and Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR), respectively.

While acknowledging that Nigeria remains a work in progress, Tinubu expressed faith in the strength and potential of its democratic system. “Our nation is not perfect, but it is strong. Our democracy is not invincible, but it is alive,” he said, closing with an appeal for rededication to the ideals of June 12—freedom, equity, and social justice.

The president's message was clear: democracy must be defended not only in grand gestures but also in legislation, policies, and daily governance. As Nigeria moves into the second half of Tinubu’s term, his speech laid the groundwork for what may become a legacy shaped by both remembrance and reform.