By INNOCENT Igwe
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu says the present generation of Nigerians must secure prosperity for the Country.
He said the generation of our founding fathers secured independence, and the generation of June 12,secured Democracy,”every generation has a defining responsibility” he stated.
This is contained in his Democracy Day Address wherein he also urged Nigerians to move forward together, rejecting division, cynicism and despair, embracing unity, hope and confidence.To build a Nigeria united by a common purpose, strengthened by diversity,where justice is accessible, liberty is secured and opportunity is abundant.
President Tinubu affirmed that the Democracy Day celebration is to honor the resilience of Nigerians who refused to surrender their faith in freedom and the courage of those who stood firm against intimidation, as well as pay tribute to Patriots who endured persecution, imprisonment, exile and even death so that future generations could enjoy democracy.
He however noted that the mood of this year’s commemoration is dampened by the abduction of Nigerian children in Oyo and Borno but we remain Hopeful for their safe return stressing that democracy without security is not solid enough.
President Tinubu said this is why his administration declared a security emergency and approved the recruitment of more than 50,000 new police officers and thousands of military recruits,while the 2026 National Budget commits N5.42 Trillion,which is the largest ever,to defence and security, and that his administration is ever ready to do much more to secure the people.
He warned the bandits ,kidnappers and sponsors of terror to surrender or face the full force of the Nigerian State as the windows of surrender will not remain open forever.
According to the President since 2023 his administration reforms have restored stability and credibility to economic management.Federation revenues have risen, providing states and local governments with more resources for infrastructure, education, healthcare and security.Fiscal transparency has improved, leakages has been reduced and public funds are now better directed to national priorities.
President Tinubu emphasized that he has addressed the problems besetting the electricity sector by signing the Electricity Act which grants States authority to generate,transmit and distribute power while the Presidential Power sector Task Force is working hard to reduce the metering deficit.
He said,recognizing that democracy is undermined when people do not feel it’s impact,his administration has sought financial autonomy for the 774 LGA Councils,as a fundamental challenge to the nation’s advancement has been ineffective local government administration, adding that the insecurity being addressed is partly due to the collapse of the grassroots governance.
President Tinubu also announced a list of Nigerians who suffered persecution,endured indignities,exile, incarceration and at times solitary confinement,so that we have the present democracy,for National Awards.
