President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has promised to protect the rights and freedoms of Nigerian citizens as the country marks its 25th year of democracy, News About Nigeria reports.
The President made this promise in his democracy address to the nation on Wednesday, June 12, 2024.
While congratulating the nation on the celebration of its silver jubilee for practicing uninterrupted democracy, the president pledged to do whatever is necessary to cement democracy as the country’s way of life.
He noted that, no matter how complicated democracy may be, it is the best form of governance in the long run.
He, however, urged the people not to be ignorant of those who will try to exploit current challenges to undermine, if not destroy, this democracy for which so much has already been given, adding that no chance should be given to them, as doing this is one of the main reasons for the celebration of democracy.
“As president of this nation, I am morally and constitutionally bound to preserve this precious form of governance. I vow to do my utmost best to protect your rights, freedoms, and liberties as citizens of Nigeria.
“Even more than that, I pledge to do whatever is necessary to cement democracy as our way of life. Although the challenges are steep and multiple, I am grateful to lead Nigeria at this moment in her history and at this point in her democratic journey.
“I come before you also to declare that our most important work remains before us. This real test has never been whether we would rise to challenge the slings of misfortune and grievous pain of dictatorship.
“The real test is whether we shall lower our guards as the shadow of despotism and its evident physical danger fade,” he stated.
The president also stated that the reforms his administration has initiated are necessary as they are intended to create a stronger, better foundation for future growth.
He noted that the economy has been in desperate need of reform for decades, stating that it has been unbalanced because it was built on the flawed foundation of over-reliance on revenues from the exploitation of oil.
He assured the people that the reforms would fix the economy over the long run so that everyone has access to economic opportunity, fair pay, and compensation for his endeavour and labour.
