The text Summary of President Bola Tinubu's national broadcast on June 12, 2024, Democracy Day, the 25th anniversary of Nigeria's unbroken democracy.
2. Thirty-one years ago on this day, we began the process of transforming into a genuine and sustainable democratic society.
3. This passage was hazardous and difficult to navigate. We battled for our basic rights as humans placed on this planet by our Creator's divine hand during the crucial six years that followed.
4. We lost wonderful heroes and heroes encountered en route. Among those who gave their life in this conflict were Pa Alfred Rewane, General Shehu Musa Yar'Adua, Chief MKO Abiola, the most important emblem of our democratic movement, his wife Kudirat, and other notable figures.
5. They courageously gave up their futures to ensure a better one for our country.
6. Let us pay tribute to Chiefs Anthony Enahoro, Abraham Adesanya, Commodore Dan Suleiman, Arthur Nwankwo, Chukwuemeka Ezeife, Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu, Frank Kokori, Bola Ige, Adekunle Ajasin, Ganiyu Dawodu, Chief Ayo Fasanmi, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, Chief Olabiyi Durojaiye, Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti, Chima Ubani, and other individuals who have passed away.
7. The things that General Alani Akinrinade gave up we should never forget the contributions of professors Bolaji Akinyemi, Wole Soyinka, Chief Ralph Obioha, Chief Cornelius Adebayo, and many more. They endured the hardships of exile for a minimum of six years.
8. The pro-democracy activists who were exiled maintained the flame of protest while their domestic allies continued to apply pressure on the military brass hats. The latter group includes Chief Olu Falae, Governor Uba Sani, Senator Shehu Sani, Abdul Oroh, Femi Falana, Olisa Agbakoba, and other leaders of the National Democratic Coalition, including Chiefs Ayo Adebanjo and Opadokun.
9. There is no way to make up for the sacrifices they made or the priceless gift that resulted from their unselfish devotion. It won't be forgotten either.
10. The fight against military rule was one that we could not have won without the unstoppable Nigerian journalists that climbed the barricades with the activists for democracy. Together with their media outlets, The Punch, Guardian, National Concord, Tribune, The News/Tempo, and TELL Magazines, we honor them today. Because the journalists at these media organizations stood up for civil freedoms and free expression, military authorities banned them and imprisoned them.
12. The people's power and the power of a concept proven to be more powerful than all the weapons, ammunition, and strongman threats combined.
13. In 1999, the country broke free from military dictatorship to become the most populous democracy one of the biggest democracies in the world and the bulwark of black people's democratic self-determination on African territory.
14. This shift represents a turning point in human history. We will never turn away from this transformation, and history will never forget the profound significance of this historic occasion.
15. We commemorate the silver anniversary of our democratic journey today, 25 years later.
16. The course has been stabilized.
17. For us, democracy has practical significance and is neither alien nor abstract. We also cannot afford to minimize it to the point that it is reduced to the regular holding of elections in which one party and one candidate triumph over the other.
18. Despite the intense attention they receive, elections are but a facet of democracy. Elections are only one aspect of a democratic lifestyle, which involves a broad outlook. Elections are therefore possible in a country that is not democratic. But elections are necessary for a country to be fully democratic.
19. Our democratic stance is supported by the history of transparent, fair, and open elections that we have built. The fact that our governments have changed hands peacefully is evidence of our democratic disposition.
20. My fellow Nigerians, genuine democracy illuminates the everyday existence of those who are sheltered by its protective embrace. It gives us the flexibility to live where we want, think how we want, and pursue any kind of lawful endeavor that appeals to us.
21. Democracy doesn't presuppose any false or imposed unanimity of thought. Democracy actually presupposes that divergent viewpoints and opposing ideas will always be present. Diverse perspectives and viewpoints are necessary due to the complexity and variety of the human experience.
22. Democracy requires that we avoid using coercion and violence to settle disputes. However, we acknowledge the validity of opinions that are different from our own.
23. Democracy tries to create leaders sufficiently humble that they behave themselves as servants of the common good, not as viceroys of the limited interests of the mighty, as other kinds of government impose against the will of the people.
24. My fellow countrymen, twenty-five years ago, Nigeria had to make a decision of immense gravity: Should it veer either in the direction of a better place or blindly ahead into the dictatorship's mists.
25. Back then, we made the proper decision. That decision has to be carried out right now.
26. It is important for us Nigerians to constantly remind ourselves that, despite its difficulties democracy is ultimately the best system of government. It is imperative that we acknowledge the existence of individuals among our ranks who aim to utilize present obstacles in order to erode, if not completely destroy, the democracy that has already received so much support.
27. These people act in this way not to improve things but to subjugate everything and everyone else to their power and domination to the extent that, should you be excluded from their elite, your life will be little and no longer your property.
28. The main reason we especially celebrate Democracy Day is because this is the great conflict of our day.
29. Nigerians, remember that democracy is more than just a historical reality. It is a reality that is alive and well.
30. It is not appropriate to spend all of our attention on this day just remembering the heroic deeds of the past that got us this far.
31. Indeed, we honor those who gave their all and gave their lives to clear the path for the country forever.
32. In this sense, my position is distinct. I was one of the brave few who helped to birth our democracy. I am now a clear and direct recipient of the fruits of those extraordinary initiatives.
33. It is my moral and constitutional obligation as our country's president to protect this priceless system of government. As people of Nigeria, I promise to do everything in my power to defend your rights, freedoms, and liberties.
34. More than that, I promise to take all necessary steps to firmly establish democracy as our way of life.
35. Despite the many and severe obstacles, I am honored to be leading Nigeria at this juncture in its democratic history.
36. I also came before you to say that we still have our most important work ahead of us. The true test has never been whether we are willing to stand up to the cruelties and excruciating anguish of dictatorship.
37. The true litmus test is whether we will let down our guard when the threat of authoritarianism and its obvious physical form disappears.
38. I declare to you today that while we rejoice in the formalization of our political democracy, let us also dedicate ourselves to bringing our equally significant economic democracy to fruition.
39. I am aware of the challenges our country faces economically.
40. For decades, our economy has been in dire need of reform. Because of its faulty foundation—an excessive reliance on oil extraction revenues—it has been unbalanced.
41. The aim of the reforms we have started is to build a better and stronger base for our future expansion. Without a question, the changes have caused difficulty. Nevertheless, these are the long-term fixes that the economy needs in order to be fixed so that everyone may access the economy and receive just recompense for their labor and efforts.
42. I promise to always listen to the people and never turn my back on you as we work to change the economy.
43. In keeping with this attitude, we have been openly and sincerely negotiating a new national minimum wage with organized labor. We are about to submit an executive measure to the National Assembly that would codify the agreements reached into law for the next five years or less.
44. We did not attempt to avenge Labor's request for a nationwide strike to repress or oppress laborers, much as a totalitarian government would have. We opted for collaboration over confrontation.
45. Nobody was detained or intimidated. Rather, the leadership of the labor movement was asked to have a meal together and work toward a sincere settlement.
46. Democratic processes are characterized by thoughtful debate and morally sound compromise. These themes will keep my policies and interactions with the many components of our political economy vibrant.
47. I dedicate myself to this job until we have created a Nigeria where no man is oppressed, taking on this important responsibility without fear or favor.
48. Ultimately, taking the easy route won't lead to the greatness of our country. That is only possible if you take the appropriate one.
49. It's true that there are numerous methods to move forward, as stated by US President Franklin D. Roosevelt. But there's only one way to remain still!"
50. We cannot sleep for fear of missing out on the wonderful things that lie ahead of us right now. In the midst of the junction of hope and despair, we dare not stand motionless.
51. We will follow the right path because we are aware of it!
52. The early horizon now shows the first signs of a better tomorrow. We have the ability to create a prosperous future and it is within our grasp. The structures that democracy produces promise to lead us to our ultimate goal.
53. Let's get on this forward-thinking train collectively. Let's advance Nigeria together.
54. Let us not let up on the flame of democracy. Let's continue to shine the light for future generations.
55. May God continue to protect our democracy and bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
56. Happy Democracy Day, everyone.
Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the President
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