By Oladosu Adebola Oluwaseun
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu addressed a joint session of the National Assembly on Thursday, June 12, 2025, to commemorate Democracy Day. His speech highlighted Nigeria’s democratic journey since 1999, paid tribute to heroes of the struggle, reaffirmed his commitment to democratic principles, detailed economic reforms, and announced posthumous national honors and pardons for notable figures.Acknowledging Democratic Progress and Honoring Sacrifices.
President Tinubu began by expressing profound honor to stand before the National Assembly, acknowledging the collective accomplishment of Nigeria’s democracy since 1999, which has risen from the “ashes and destitution of military rule.” He reaffirmed his resolve to safeguard and build Nigeria’s democracy.
He specifically commended former President Muhammadu Buhari for recognizing June 12 as Democracy Day and officially acknowledging Chief MKO Abiola and Babagana Kingibe as the duly elected President and Vice President after the 1993 elections. The President emphasized that debate, discussion, and argument, rather than conflict, preserve democratic institutions and weave democratic culture into the nation’s fabric.
President Tinubu also paid tribute to numerous heroes of Nigerian democracy, including Alhaja Kudirat Abiola and Pa Alfred Rewane, who were murdered, as well as civil rights activists, journalists, and politicians who endured imprisonment, exile, torture, and beatings. He specifically mentioned Chief Anthony Enahoro, Commodore Dan Suleiman, Chief Abraham Adesanya, Ayo Adebanjo, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, Balarabe Musa, Ganiyu Dawodu, Bagauda Kaltho, and Commodore Ndubuisi Kanu, emphasizing the pan-Nigerian nature of the struggle for democracy.Commitment to Multi-Party Democracy and Legislative CooperationAddressing what he called a “terrible rumour” of the All Progressives Congress (APC) seeking a one-party state, President Tinubu offered a “most personal promise” that such a notion would never be viewed as good for Nigeria. He cited his political history, recalling his resistance to attempts by a former governing party in 2003 to eliminate political opposition, where he stood as “the last of the progressive governors standing.” He welcomed members from other parties joining the APC, including Governors Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta and Pastor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom, stating that political parties fearful of losing members should examine their internal processes rather than “conjuring up demons.” He stressed the importance of welcoming the diversity of political parties and fostering salutary competition for national well-being.
The President also pledged his cooperation with the National Assembly, acknowledging their crucial role in lawmaking, oversight, and constituency representation. He commended their historical actions to uphold democratic ideals, citing their role in protecting democracy against a “third-term bid” in 2006 and opening the door for then-Vice President Goodluck Jonathan to become acting President in 2010. He even recalled instances under military rule where members of the National Assembly, led by Senator Ameh Ebute, defied the regime and faced imprisonment.
Economic Reforms and Social DevelopmentPresident Tinubu detailed his administration’s economic reforms since assuming office, aimed at correcting “structural imbalances.” He reported positive results, including a GDP growth of 3.4% in 2024 (with Q4 hitting 4.6%), easing inflation, a fivefold increase in net foreign reserves, and a stabilized Naira exchange rate. He noted that states no longer need to borrow to pay salaries.He highlighted initiatives such as the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP), which has provided affordable consumer credit to over one hundred thousand Nigerians, including thirty-five thousand civil servants. He announced a new initiative in July to empower four hundred thousand young Nigerians with consumer credit. The President also spoke of investments in education, vocational training, apprenticeships, and internships through programs like NELFUND, and an ambitious project to lay fiber optic cables across the nation to bridge the digital divide.
The “Nigeria First” policy, he stated, will further enhance market-driven growth, with a medium-term target of 7% economic growth and a stronger manufacturing base, aiming for food sovereignty. He urged the legislature to collaborate on innovative legislation for industrial development, job creation, improved food security, and production. He expressed gratitude for the National Assembly’s consideration of the comprehensive Tax Reform Package, which he looks forward to signing into law.Upholding Civil Liberties and National Security
President Tinubu called for vigilance in expanding the political space, valuing dialogue over dictatorship, persuasion over suppression, and rights over might. He urged tolerance for harsh words and stinging insults, stating that he would defend the right of individuals to criticize him, as “imposed silence of repressed voices breeds chaos.”
On national security, he affirmed the administration’s commitment to intensifying operations to reclaim communities from criminals and terrorists, citing improved intelligence coordination and inter-agency cooperation. He thanked the Armed Forces for their bravery and selfless dedication, emphasizing the need for continued support and recognition for their role in safeguarding freedoms.Posthumous Honors and PardonsIn a significant part of his address, President Tinubu announced the conferment of posthumous national honors on numerous individuals who played pivotal roles in Nigeria’s democratic struggle.
These include: Kudirat Abiola (CFR), Shehu Musa Yar’Adua (GCFR), Prof. Humphrey Nwosu (CON), Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu (CON), Alhaji Balarabe Musa (CFR), Pa. Alfred Rewane (CFR), Bagauda Kaltho (OON), Chima Ubani (OON), Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti (CON), Alao Aka Bashorun (CON), Chief Frank Kokori (CON), Emma Ezeazu (OON), Bamidele Aturu (OON), Fredrick Fasehun (CON), Professor Festus Iyayi (CON), Dr John Yima Sen (OON), Alhaja Sawaba Gambo (CON), Dr. Edwin Madunagu (CON), Dr. Alex Ibru (CON), Chief Bola Ige (CFR), Pa. Reuben Fasoranti (CFR), Sen. Ayo Fasanmi (CON) , Sen. Polycarp Nwite (CON) , Dr. Nurudeen Olowopopo (CON)
Additionally, he conferred honors on living individuals, including Prof. Wole Soyinka (GCON), and several journalists, activists, and politicians. He also announced posthumous national honors for Ken Saro Wiwa (CON), the leader of the Ogoni Nine, and his fellow travelers, along with a full pardon for them and others to be announced later.
Finally, President Tinubu personally decorated the presiding officers of the National Assembly with their previously conferred National Honours: Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio (GCON), Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen (GCON), Senator Jibrin Ibrahim Barau (CFR), and Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu (CFR).
The President concluded by urging a rededication to the ideals of June 12: freedom, transparent and accountable government, social justice, active citizen participation, and a just society. He ended by wishing a Happy Democracy Day and invoking blessings upon the Federal Republic of Nigeria and its troops.What are your thoughts on the economic reforms mentioned in the President’s speech, particularly their impact on ordinary Nigerians?
