With profound honour, I stand before this joint session of our National Assembly; a parliament that embodies the will of the Nigerian people.

2. Today, as I entered this grand edifice built from the sweat and toil of our democratic yearning, my heart stirred. It was a blend of accomplishment and resolve.
3. I felt a sense of collective accomplishment when I realised how far we had come as a nation. Since 1999, democracy has risen from the ashes and destitution of military rule to take its rightful place as the only mode of governance of our resilient and beloved people.
4. With every footstep I took through these hallowed halls up to the moment I now stand before you, I remembered that we still have much further to go.
5. To achieve this progress, we sought an elective office to lead this nation forward. Thus, I hereby affirm before our Merciful and Almighty God and all men my resolve to do all that I can to safeguard and build our democracy as the Divine hand intends for us to do.
6. Since 2018, we have celebrated Democracy Day on this day; to commemorate the sacrifices of the men and women who fought to restore democratic governance to Nigeria.
7. Let me pay tribute to former President Muhammadu Buhari for reaching back into history to rectify a national misdeed by making June 12 Democracy Day and by officially acknowledging Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola and his running mate, Babagana Kingibe, as the victors and thus duly elected President and Vice President respectively of Nigeria after the June 12, 1993 elections.
8. Year by year, election after election, every time we debate instead of battle, discuss instead of fight, and argue instead of destroy, we preserve the institutions of democracy. More importantly, we weave the culture of democracy into the very fabric of our nation.
9. Whilst Chief MKO Abiola is June 12’s central figure, we must not forget the long list of those who equally deserve to be called heroes of Nigerian democracy.
10. We must celebrate the courage of Alhaja Kudirat Abiola and Pa Alfred Rewane, both of whom were murdered by agents of military repression. We also remember the many civil rights activists, journalists, and politicians imprisoned, exiled, tossed aside, tortured and beaten by the military regime.
11. We remember Chief Anthony Enahoro, Commodore Dan Suleiman, Chief Abraham Adesanya, Ayo Adebanjo, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, Balarabe Musa, Ganiyu Dawodu, the journalist Bagauda Kaltho, and Commodore Ndubuisi Kanu. I mention these names not to exclude or degrade the profound contributions of anyone else, but to illustrate, through these few heroes, the universality of our pursuit of democracy.
12. The struggle was never the province of any one group or section of the country, it was pan-Nigerian in its conception and will be even more pan- Nigerian as we strive to perfect it.
13. It is fitting that I come to this chamber. You are the authors of the people’s law, and I must be their faithful implementer. While we may not always agree, we must forge a way to work together because this is what democracy demands of us. I pledge myself to this cooperation and ask that you do the same for the good of our people.
14. Mr. Chairman, the National Assembly has acted to uphold democratic ideals at every critical moment in our national history. In 2006, the 5th National Assembly protected our democracy against an unseemly third-term bid that would have ripped our constitution apart. In 2010, the National Assembly, through the doctrine of necessity, opened the door for then-Vice President Goodluck Jonathan to become the acting President following the illness of his predecessor.
15. Even under the military, the National Assembly tried to protect our democracy. After General Abacha took over power on November 17, 1993, and dissolved the National Assembly, some of us, led by Senator Ameh Ebute, the Senate President in the 3rd Republic, defied the General and his goons to reconvene in the Old Parliament Building in Lagos. We were jailed for our defiance.
16. On behalf of a grateful nation, I commend your invaluable role in lawmaking, oversight, and constituency representation.
17. At this point, I plead for your indulgence so that I may put a terrible rumour to bed.
18. To those who ring the alarm that the APC is intent on a one-party state, I offer you a most personal promise. While your alarm may be as a result of your panic, it rings in error. 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. I have never attempted to alter any political party registration with INEC. Equally, my friends, we cannot blame anybody seeking to bail out of a sinking ship even without a life jacket.
19. Look at my political history. I would be the last person to advocate such a scheme. In 2003, when the then-governing party tried to sweep the nation clean of political opposition through plot and manipulation, I was the last of the progressive governors standing in my region.
20. In all their numbers and false grandeur, they boasted of ruling, not governing, Nigeria for the next half century or more. Where are they now?
21. Yet, I stood alone. My allies had been induced into defeat. My adversaries held all the cards that mortal man could carry. Even with all of that, they could not control our national destiny because fate is written from above. A greater power did not want Nigeria to become a one-party state back then. Nigeria will not become such a state now.
22. The failed effort to create a one-party state placed progressive political forces on a trajectory to form the APC. It put me on the trajectory which has brought me before you today. I dare not do such a favour to any political adversary by repeating the same mistake of political overreach.
23. A one-party state is not in the offing. Nor should it ever be. That said, we would be guilty of political malpractice if we closed the door on those from other parties who now seek to join the APC and I sincerely welcome our party’s newest members from Delta and Akwa Ibom States led by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and Pastor Umo Eno and other members of this National Assembly.
24. Political parties fearful of members leaving may be better served by examining their internal processes and affairs rather than fearfully conjuring up demons that do not exist. For me, I would say try your best to put your house in order. I will not help you do so. It is, indeed, a pleasure to witness you in such disarray.
25. We must welcome and accept the diversity and number of political parties just as we welcome and embrace the diversity of our population. Our efforts must never be to eliminate political competition but to make that competition salutary to the national well-being by working across the political aisle whenever possible.
26. One area in which democracy calls us to work together, whether in the legislative or executive branch, whether in this or other political parties, is that of economic and social development.
27. Upon assuming office, my team and I moved to reform our ailing economy. We introduced fundamental reforms to correct structural imbalances that prevented maximum growth.
28. We are already seeing results. GDP grew by 3.4 per cent in 2024, with Q4 hitting 4.6 per cent, the highest quarter of growth in over a decade. Inflation is easing gradually, steadying the price of food staples like rice and beans. Our net foreign reserves have increased fivefold, and the Naira exchange rate has stabilised. Our balance of payments position is positive; our sovereign credit rating is improving as we continue to promote oil and non-oil exports. States now do not need to go about borrowing to pay salaries.
29. In less than one year, over one hundred thousand Nigerians, including thirty-five thousand civil servants, have benefited from affordable consumer credit through the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP), enabling them to purchase vehicles, light up and improve their homes and purchase life essentials. This July, we will launch a bold new initiative to empower four hundred thousand young Nigerians, including youth corpers, with consumer credit.
30. We are committed to giving more opportunities to young people through job creation and skills development. Through such programs as NELFUND, we are investing in education, vocational training, apprenticeships, and internships to ensure our youth are job-ready and future-ready.
31. In addition, we have embarked on an ambitious project to lay fibre optic cables across the nation, a transformative step toward bridging the digital divide and fostering greater connectivity. This initiative promises not only to enhance the speed and reliability of internet access but also to revolutionize how businesses operate, how students learn, and how communities stay connected. By extending this critical infrastructure, we are empowering entrepreneurs, enabling digital education, and providing the tools for our youth to compete in a globalized world.
32. Our “Nigeria First” policy will further enhance progress as we consolidate market-driven growth. The improved economic performance is encouraging and validates the soundness of our policy measures. Our medium-term growth target remains an economy growing at a 7 per cent clip with a stronger manufacturing base. We must learn to produce and grow most of our food and we are on the path to achieving food sovereignty.
33. These and other reforms have placed the economy on a more rational footing where critical decisions regarding large-scale investment can now be made.
34. I ask you, the legislature, to join me as we enter the second half of our term to put forth innovative legislation that further encourages industrial development and job creation in our urban centres while also drafting laws that improve food security and production.
35. To further underpin our economic vision, we introduced a comprehensive Tax Reform Package, a vital component of our economic re-engineering. I am deeply grateful to both chambers for your thorough consideration and deliberation of these bills, and I look forward to signing them into law soon.
36. Again, your collaboration across party lines on these bills has been a model of democratic partnership.
37. As elected leaders, we must continue to do more to make real the dream of Nigeria’s political and economic democracy.
38. We must be vigilant in expanding the political space. We must always value dialogue over dictatorship, persuasion over suppression and rights over might. Be tolerant and broad-minded in your legislative action regarding speech and civil liberties.
39. Do not be afraid to hear an unkind word spoken against you. Some of the best advice a politician gets sometimes comes from his most ferocious opponents. We dare not seek silence because the imposed silence of repressed voices breeds chaos and ill will, not the harmonics of democracy in the long term.
40. While malicious slander and libel should not go unattended, no one should bear the brunt of injustice for merely writing a bad report about me or calling me names. Democracy requires a fair degree of tolerance for harsh words and stinging insults. Call me names, call me whatever you will, and I will still call upon democracy to defend your right to do so. Mr. Senate President, Mr. Speaker, Distinguished Senators and Honourable Members.
41. Our nation is not perfect, but it is strong. Our democracy is not invincible, but it is alive. And this means our dream of a prosperous, happy nation is still within reach and worth fighting for.
42. Mr. Chairman, Nigeria is at an inflexion point, undergoing structural and fundamental change toward a secure future.
43. Our administration is fully committed to boosting the economy’s productive base. Through investment in critical infrastructure, roads, expansion of port operations, rail, and power we are creating a new environment in which industry and manufacturing can thrive. Our tax and fiscal policy reforms will streamline tax administration and eliminate burdensome and multiple taxes enabling our industrialists and entrepreneurs to operate in a more conducive environment.
44. Governance must work and deliver value to the people. As part of our tax reforms, we have provided small businesses with an exemption and established the Office of the Tax Ombudsman to ensure transparency and protect taxpayer rights. Digital tools now help us track performance and reduce waste. The Diaspora Bond and Non-Resident BVN are bringing Nigerians abroad into the national development fold.
45. In line with my promise during my New Year address to the nation, I recently appointed the board of directors of the newly established National Credit Guarantee Company. The company backed with 100 billion naira in initial capital; with BOI, which, by the way, is performing very well in supporting SMEs, NSIA, CreditCorp, and MOFI as stakeholders, will play a significant role in transforming the nation’s industrial landscape and reducing corruption.
46. National Security is the foundation of peace and progress. We have intensified security operations to reclaim communities from criminals and terrorists. We are better at coordinating intelligence, and inter-agency cooperation has improved. Our highways are safer, and we invest in technology and training to secure every inch of this country.
47. Let us take this opportunity to thank the men and women of our Armed Forces for their bravery in service of the nation. Their selfless dedication to protecting our sovereignty and ensuring the safety of citizens should serve as an inspiration to us all. As we celebrate the progress of our democracy, we must not forget the pivotal role they play in safeguarding our freedoms. For their courage and commitment, they deserve not only our gratitude but also our continued support, prayers and recognition.
48. Fellow compatriots, our achievements are not the work of one man. They are the result of a collective effort to make possible the Nigerian Dream. Yet, the journey is not over. We must work even harder to translate broad macroeconomic gains into tangible improvements in the lives of ordinary Nigerians. We must stay the course, reject cynicism, and believe Nigeria can and will rise again.
49. As we mark a twenty-sixth year of unbroken democracy, it is right to honour those who have made sacrifices in the past, braving all the odds and the guns to ensure we have a regime of democracy in our country.
50. In this light, I announce the conferment of the posthumous national honour of CFR on Kudirat Abiola, the heroine of the June 12 struggle.
51. I also confer posthumous national honours on Shehu Musa Yar’Adua (GCFR), Prof. Humphrey Nwosu (CON), Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu (CON), Alhaji Balarabe Musa (CFR), Pa. Alfred Rewani (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) and Dr. Nurudeen Olowopopo (CON).
52. I also confer national honours on Prof. Wole Soyinka (GCON), Prof. Olatunji Dare (CON), the journalist and journalism teacher; Kunle Ajibade (OON); Nosa Igiebor (OON), Dapo Olorunyomi (OON), Bayo Onanuga (CON), Ayo Obe (OON), Dare Babarinsa (CON), Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah (CON), Senator Shehu Sani (CON), Governor Uba Sani (CON), Barrister Femi Falana, SAN (CON), Prof. Shafideen Amuwo (CON), Barrister Luke Aghanenu (OON), Senator Tokunbo Afikuyomi (CON), Hon. Labaran Maku (OON), Dr. Tunji Alausa (CON), Mr Nick Dazang (OON), Hon Abdul Oroh (OON), Odia Ofeimun (CON), Seye Kehinde (OON), Barrister Felix Morka (CON) Barrister Ledum Mitee (CON), Hon. Olawale Osun (CON), Dr. Amos Akingba (CON), Prof. Segun Gbadegesin (CON), Mobolaji Akinyemi (CFR), Dr. Kayode Shonoiki (CON), Prof. Julius Ihonvbere (CON), Prof. Bayo Williams (CON), Sen. Abu Ibrahim (CFR), and Sen. Ameh Ebute (CFR), General Alani Akinrinade, GCON.

53. Additionally, I confer the national honour of CON on Uncle Sam Amuka Pemu, a legendary journalist and publisher who remains true to his lifetime calling as he marks his 90th birthday tomorrow, June 13.
54. Furthermore, I also confer posthumous national honours on Ken Saro Wiwa (CON), the leader of the Ogoni Nine and his fellow travellers, Saturday Dobee (OON), Nordu Eawo (OON), Daniel Gbooko (OON), Paul Levera (OON), Felix Nuate (OON), Baribor Bera (OON), Barinem Kiobel (OON), and John Kpuine (OON). I shall also be exercising my powers under the prerogative of mercy to grant these national heroes a full pardon, together with others whose names shall be announced later in conjunction with the National Council of State.
55. Finally, it is my great privilege to now decorate the presiding officers of the National Assembly with the National Honours earlier conferred upon them last year:

Presiding National Assembly Officers

Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, GCON – SENATE PRESIDENT

Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, GCON – Speaker

Senator Jibrin Ibrahim Barau, CFR – DEPUTY SENATE PRESIDENT

Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, CFR – Deputy Speaker

56. In conclusion, let us rededicate ourselves to the ideals of June 12; freedom, transparent and accountable government, social justice, active citizen participation, and a just society where no one is oppressed.
57. Happy Democracy Day, and may God continue to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria and protect our troops.

Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR

President, Commander-in-Chief of The Armed Forces,

Federal Republic of Nigeria

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Rewane, the CEO of Financial Derivatives Company Limited, who is the keynote speaker is expected to give an in-depth analysis of Nigeria’s macroeconomic challenges and opportunities.

He will also discuss the importance of policy-driven solutions in mitigating economic volatility.

Ms Olive Emodi will moderate the panel discussion featuring esteemed economists as panelists.

Dr Abiodun Adedipe, Founder/Chief Consultant, B Adedipe & Associates, Mr Ugodre Obi-Chukwu, Founder/CEO of Nairametrics, and Mr Opeyemi Agbaje, CEO, RTC Advisory Services Limited.

READ ALSO: Lagos Assembly reinstates Obasa as Speaker

They will be deliberating on crucial economic themes, offering expert perspectives on the state of the economy and potential pathways to stability.

The summit is expected to enjoy impressive turnout, with approximately over 500 physical attendees and additional virtual participants billed to engage in the discussions.

Pastor Tunde Netufo, the Assistant Pastor in Charge of Region 11 and Pastor in Charge of Lagos Province 20, reaffirmed the church commitment to fostering economic literacy and resilience and encouraging continued dialogue on Nigeria’s financial future.

The renowned Chartered Accountant stated further that “Nigeria’s economic development and knowledge of it impacts on our existence are the main reasons, we as a church have decided to organise this summit. It is also one of our contributions to the economic discuss and the overall wellbeing of our people.”

The summit comes at a critical time as the nation is still grappling with the aftermath of subsidy removal and exchange liberalization policies which have significantly impacted inflation and household economies.

With the recent passage of the 2025 budget, the summit will seek to provide businesses and families with a clearer understanding of the economic variables at play.

The financial experts and who have been assembled will expectedly expound on the trends and policy options, and offer strategic insights for navigating the present economic climate.

The post Rewane, Adedipe, others to attend RCCG economic summit appeared first on Frontpageng.

Data from the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, website showed that the Naira gained N3.62.

This marks a 0.24 per cent increase compared to Friday, February 21, when the local currency closed at N1,500.73 to the Dollar.

READ ALSO: June 12: IBB’s attempt to rewrite history

The Naira has remained relatively stable against the US Dollar since December 2024, following CBN’s sustained reforms aimed at ensuring transparency in the Foreign Exchange (FX) market.

Analysts have continued to commend the CBN’s sweeping reforms to support the local currency.

Bismarck Rewane, financial expert and CEO of Financial Derivatives Company Ltd., also praised CBN’s efforts in media appearances on Friday and Monday.

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“The love that follows us sometime is our trouble which we still thank as love.” Shakespeare (Macbeth)

Undaunted by the lingering severity of the separation from our respective families for months and years for some of us, many of us still defied the freezing cold of New York in the United States in the morning of January 25, 1998.  All roads literally led to what used to be known as the Nigeria Corner.  The main task for the day was the formal public shaming of the Abacha junta with the renaming of the Nigeria Corner to Kudi Abiola Corner. The corner hosted the Nigerian Embassy in New York.

On that historic day, a number of Nigerian pro-democracy and human rights activists as well as journalists of varied cadres who had managed to escape from the country made effort to converge on that corner for the unveiling of the new identity. It was time to register a major international signal of support against the dictators back home. A few of those on ground on that day included Prof Wole Soyinka, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Pa Anthony Enahoro, The News Magazine directors Bayo Onanuga, Dapo Olorunyomi and Babafemi Ojudu as well as Dr Kayode Fayemi, then of CDD.

Renaming over, in defiant of the rain, elderly Pa Enahoro, reputed to have moved the motion for the independence of Nigeria was hard pressed to use a bathroom for urination. Baba sauntered to the entrance of the Nigerian Embassy only to be scared back. The staff of the embassy claimed to have been instructed to turn Nigerian patriots away no matter how respectable. All our pleas including the pledge that we meant no harm and that no one else would request any other facility fell on deaf ears. Thus promptly came the idea of resorting to a pizza hut for immediate convenience, now for all.

Before the pizza hut relief, we had all been sober, sunk into pensive mood by the recall of circumstances of the death of the heroine suddenly felled by the bullets of the Abacha goons even as our own fate and future remained so uncertain with the dictators holding tight to power.  For how long can we endure remaining in exile, dislodged from our base and enduring sources of sustenance?

Apart from those of us that were Ramadan compliant on that day, the pizza hut bill, I later learnt was defrayed by Senator Tinubu.  Indeed, such was Tinubu’s own struggle with finances that he also had to sell off a gas station that we learnt he owned in some locations in the US because he had to support fellow Nigerian refugees in the US especially those affiliated with NADECO.

Not being sure of who to trust in the gathering, everyone did hushed-tone interactions with those deemed necessary for opportunities, support and the likes.  Yours sincerely engaged with Dr Kayode Fayemi for the better part of our stay, being the only one I had been familiar with from Nigeria.

KF as often affectionately hailed occupied a frontline position among activists. He was the big masquerade behind Radio Kudirat run by activists in the diaspora. The broadcasts were so well professionally prepared that the military government was always unsettled by the messages.  The Abacha government did all it could to jam the broadcasts but its sophisticated technology damned all the efforts of the National Broadcasting Commission, NBC. Indeed, rather than wait for the celebrated Orosanye Report to justify the merger of NBC with the Nigerian Communication Commission, NCC, NBC had ceased to be genuinely functional long before now. Radio Kudirat’s broadcasts blossomed by the day to the delight of Nigerians fed up with the murderous regime of Gen Abacha which kept on felling innocent souls, like they did Kudi Abiola, simply because of their political persuasions. In the Southwest alone considered the most resistant to the junta, Alhaja Suliyat Adedeji and Pa Alfred Rewane were summarily assassinated plunging the nation into some bloated fear with everyone losing confidence in the  capacity of the state to provide basic security for the citizens.  The fear particularly deepened with the attacks on women like Kudi Abiola in Lagos and Alhaja Adedeji in Ibadan, both of them never known to have any record of being violent or sponsoring violence.

The president should know that his keen observers, especially those who at some point shared some critical moments with him have far higher expectations such as should never give room for forgery at the enviable level of the presidency as had manifested in recent lists of political appointees.

Kudi Abiola Corner availed our collective some renewed hope as we rediscovered ourselves to reunite and re-strategise. Before we dispersed, KF offered to invite me to London once done with my programme at Columbia University where I was a Distinguished Visiting Scholar. Beyond sheer promise, I received the invite to London which he personally signed a couple of weeks later. Promptly, I applied for the British visa and I got it within three hours.

READ ALSO: Ajibola Basiru: How to solve problems impeding growth of Nigeria’s democracy

There was no stopping the Kudi Corner effect. Some three weeks later, the School of International and Public Affairs of Columbia University set up a special session on the repressive regime in Nigeria. Widely promoted campus-wide, Babafemi Ojudu (same Senator Ojudu) and yours sincerely were featured as speakers to represent the media and the human rights sectors respectively. Incidentally, I used to work in the same Concord Press with Ojudu. Ojudu had left with his team to co-found The News Magazine while I later left, following the proscription of the newspaper, to become the Head of Campaigns of Civil Liberties Organisation, CLO.  As was at the Kudi Abiola Corner the audience comprised some Nigerian prodemocracy and human rights activists as well as journos in exile or on some fellowship programmes with some American institutions. For instance while I was at Columbia, Sunday Dare, who was Buhari’s Sports and Youths Minister was running a professional journalism fellowship programme at New York University, NYU.

So much water had run pass the bridge you will say. It’s conspicuously unmistakable that none of those who had emerged Nigerian president since democracy was restored in 1999, poetically speaking, deserved to have come before President Tinubu in view of his pro-democracy campaign profile.  Acting the strategist that he is however, he took his time and waited patiently for the right time.  Were his rivals in the 2023 election ever near him in this game? But politics could be a game of chance as they may want to rationalize together with their adherents

President Tinubu did well by acknowledging a few of the compatriots in the Democracy Day speech but the economic, social and all other indices in Nigeria far transcend romanticism! Lagos Calabar Coastal Highway, Badagry-Sokoto Express, the Abuja Metro are all quite commendable but it is not time to brag yet like Sheu Sani remarked at the Democracy Day dinner. The President seemed precocious though by declaring his slip on the parade vehicle as dobale for democracy.

Expectedly, the misstep has attracted several reactions. A commentator in one of the television talk shows believed that the president’s security handlers need be reviewed immediately. That was an immediate recipe for the physical blunder.  Some of us, like the witty president admitted, (Tinubu: A leader and his wealth of wits – Bola Tinubu Achievements E – Library (tinubustraight.com)  feel there must be a thorough overhaul of the president’s team such that his labour as a prodemocracy activist shall not be deemed to be in vain.

The president should know that his keen observers, especially those who at some point shared some critical moments with him have far higher expectations such as should never give room for forgery at the enviable level of the presidency as had manifested in recent lists of political appointees.

Just hoping that the dobale for democracy is a sincere atonement so we can all look forward to a greater future for Nigeria.  Nigeria we hail thee!

*Tunde Akanni is an Associate Professor of Journalism at the Lagos State University. Follow him via tundeakanni.com and on X (formerly Twitter) @AkintundeAkanni

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The president gave the warning on Monday in a national broadcast made on the occasion of Nigeria’s 2023 Democracy Day.

His words: “The point is that we must never take this democracy for granted. We must forever jealously guard and protect it like a precious jewel. For, a people can never truly appreciate the freedoms and rights democracy guarantees them until they lose it.”

He said the choice of Nigerians to elect a civilian leader to transit from the military rule was the seed that germinated into the longest democratic institution that the country had been enjoying.

He said ensuring a transition from military rule to democracy was not a tea party as many paid dearly for it.

‘’For the endless future that our beloved country shall exist and wax stronger and stronger, generations of Nigerians will always remind themselves that the democracy that is steadily growing to become the defining essence of our polity was not gifted to us on a silver platter.

Said he: “We can easily recall the sacrifice and martyrdom of Chief MKO Abiola, the custodian of the sacred mandate that was so cruelly annulled.

‘’He sacrificed his life in unyielding, patriotic defense of the ideals of democracy as symbolized in his choice, by his fellow countrymen and women, as their duly-elected President.

‘’There was an easier choice for him. It was to forgo the justice of his cause and opt for the path of ease and capitulation in the face of the tyranny of power. To his eternal credit and immortal glory, Abiola said no.

‘’He demonstrated the time-tested eternal truth that there are certain ideals and principles that are far more valuable than life itself.’’

The president stressed the need for Nigerians to be grateful to those who sacrificed their lives to ensure the birth of democracy in the country.

‘’Everyday, on this day, down the ages we will recall the several other heroes of democracy such as Kudirat Abiola, wife of Chief Abiola, who was brutally murdered while in the trenches fighting on the side of the people.

‘’We remember Pa Alfred Rewane, one of the heroes of our independence struggle and Major General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua who were silenced by the military junta while in pursuit of democracy. They gave their yesterday for the liberty that is ours today,” he said.

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