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By Victor Osula, Abuja
Thursday Bola Tinubu made tribute to the democratic icons of Nigeria and reaffirmed the commitment of his administration towards multi -party democracy, rejecting the requests of a conspiracy to establish a party state.
Telling to a joint session of the National Assembly in Abuja, the president greet the deceased Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, acclaimed winner of the presidential elections of 12 June 1993, describing him as a “symbol of the democracy of Nigeria”.
Tinubu also honored other pro-democracy figures including ABIOLA’s wife, Kudirat; Alfred Rewane; Anthony Enahoro; and Pa Abraham Adesanya, among others, for their sacrifices in the struggle for democracy.
“Our democracy is not perfect, but it is strong. And this means that our dream of a prosperous and happy nation is still at hand and it is worth fighting,” said the president.
He praised the National Assembly for his historical role in the defense of democratic values, including the refusal of a third -term offer in 2006 and invoking the “doctrine of necessity” in 2010.
On recent speculations on the moves to suffocate the opposition, Tinubu said: “To those who play the alarm that the APC intended for a single party state, I offer you a more personal promise. At no time I ordered the Incen of denying registration to any political party”.
The president observed that his political history challenged the idea of ββsingle-reading domination, remembering how it was alone in 2003 as the only governor of the opposition in the Southwest.
“Our efforts must never be to eliminate political competition, but to make that competition healthy to national well -being,” he added.
On economic issues, the earnings listed by Tinubu were recorded under his administration, including the growth of the 3.4 percent GDP in 2024, improved foreign reserves, a stable exchange rate and inflation down.
He also revealed the plans to enhance Nigerian young people through consumer credit initiatives and digital infrastructures, as well as continue tax reforms to support businesses.
Reaffirming the commitment of his administration towards national security, Tinubu thanked the armed forces for their sacrifices and promised continuous investments in intelligence and inter-agency coordination.
In honor of the Day of Democracy, Tinubu has conferred posthumous national honors on several supporters of democracy including Kudirat Abiola (cf.), Shehu Musa Yar’adua (GCFR), Pa Alfred Rewane (cf.), Capo Bola Ige (cf.) and Capo Frank Kokori (with).
The literary icon Prof. Wole Soyinka (Gcon) were also honored, the lawyer for human rights Femi Falana (Con), the journalists Bayo Onanuga (Con) and Kunle Ajibade (Oon) and several activists of civil society and public characters.
“While we mark 26 years of uninterrupted democracy, it is right to honor those who have challenged all the chances to give us this freedom. The journey is not over. We must remain the path and believe that Nigeria can and would rise,” said the president.
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