Today, as we mark 26 years of our unbroken democratic journey, we do not merely commemorate a date on the calendar. We honor the indomitable fire that was forged in the crucible of June 12th, 1993 – a fire lit by the unwavering belief of the Nigerian people that their voice matters, their vote counts.
The annulment of that sacred election was not just a stolen mandate; it was an assault on our collective soul. Yet, from the ashes of that betrayal, a mighty roar of resistance rose. Students marched. Journalists spoke truth to power. Workers stood firm. Fathers faced down tanks. And courageous sons and daughters, like President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the heroes of NADECO, chose unyielding courage over comfortable silence. They, and many unnamed heroes, bled so freedom could rise. They laid down their lives because they loved Nigeria enough to fight for her very soul.
Their sacrifice is the bedrock upon which we stand today. It was not in vain.
This Democracy Day, themed “Renewing Our Commitment to National Development,” is a clarion call to action. It is a recognition that the democracy we bled for is not an endpoint, but the essential means to achieve the Nigeria of our dreams – a nation of prosperity, justice, and dignity for all.
Under the courageous leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, that transformation is boldly underway. We see it in the difficult, yet necessary, reforms: the unification of the exchange market, the hard-won autonomy for local governments, the visionary establishment of regional development commissions, the lifeline of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, and the critical steps towards tax reform and subsidy removal. These are not mere policies; they are the foundations being laid for long-term stability and growth. They are attracting investment, refocusing our resources, and signalling to the world that Nigeria is open for serious business. We commend Mr. President’s boldness, his unwavering vision, and his profound belief in our nation’s boundless potential.
The 10th National Assembly stands shoulder-to-shoulder with this vision. Marking our second anniversary, we have approached our sacred duty with unprecedented vigor. A record 844 bills introduced, 96 bills passed – with 52 already signed into transformative law – speak to our commitment. From the National Education Fund and agricultural revitalization to bolstering national security and public welfare, our legislative engine is firing on all cylinders. We have diligently processed petitions, ensuring the people’s voices are heard, and fostered crucial collaboration on 26 Executive Bills, proving that robust oversight and constructive partnership can, and must, coexist for national progress.
The lesson of history is clear: Nations soar highest when the Executive leads with vision and the Legislature guides with wisdom, walking hand-in-hand as co-stewards of the people’s trust. From America’s great leaps to Rwanda and Ghana’s transformations, collaboration breeds prosperity; conflict breeds stagnation. As we renew our democratic vows, we pledge unwavering commitment to this essential partnership for Nigeria’s sake.
Democracy, dear Nigerians, is not a spectator sport. It is a living trust, earned in blood, demanding our constant vigilance. To our vibrant youth: Engage! Your energy is the lifeblood of our future. To civil society: Keep the flame of memory alive. To the media: Hold power accountable with integrity. To every citizen: Let democracy live not just on election days, but in your daily choices, your values, and your demands for good governance.
Let us forever preserve the spirit of June 12. We echo the call for a National June 12 Museum – a sacred space to house our struggles, sacrifices, and triumphs, ensuring future generations never forget the price paid for their freedom.
To every Nigerian feeling the weight of the present: Take heart. The seeds planted by the heroes of June 12 are being tended. The difficult reforms today are the investments in a brighter tomorrow. The record legislative output is building the framework for lasting progress. We are on the march again, not just towards democracy, but towards its tangible fruits – development, opportunity, and shared prosperity.
The fire that forged our nation still burns. Guided by the sacrifices of the past, the determined leadership of President Tinubu, and the committed partnership of your National Assembly, we are building a New Nigeria. A Nigeria worthy of the blood shed, the tears cried, and the unwavering hope that has never, and will never, be extinguished.
The torch is lit. The march continues. Our best days are ahead.
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria. God bless our enduring Democracy.
