June 12 : Tinubu Warns Against Exploiting Economic Hardships to Undermine Democracy

President Bola Tinubu has sounded the alarm over alleged attempts by certain individuals to exploit the current economic challenges in Nigeria to weaken and destroy the nation’s democracy.

In his nationwide Democracy Day address, President Tinubu assured Nigerians of his commitment to safeguarding democracy and protecting their rights, freedoms, and liberties.

He emphasized that the Federal Government had engaged in good faith negotiations with organized labor regarding a new national minimum wage. The President promised to promptly send an executive bill to the National Assembly to formalize the agreed terms into law for the next five years or less.

Reflecting on the sacrifices made to establish democratic governance in Nigeria 25 years ago, President Tinubu stated: “My dear compatriots, Nigeria faced a decision of untold gravity 25 years ago: Whether to veer towards a better destination or continue aimlessly in the fog of dictatorship. We made the right choice then. We must continue with that choice now.”

He warned that despite democracy’s complexities, it remains the best form of governance. He highlighted the presence of individuals who seek to exploit current difficulties to undermine democracy for personal gain, stating: “These people do this not to make things better but to subject all other people and things to their control and dominance until the point that, if you are not counted among their elite, then your life will be small and no longer owned by you. This is the great battle of our day and the major reason we specially celebrate this Democracy Day.”

President Tinubu asserted that Nigeria’s democracy is a living reality, not just a historical fact. He emphasized the importance of focusing on the future while honoring the past sacrifices that brought the country to its present state.

He added: “Yes, we pay eternal honour to those who laid down their lives, sacrificing everything to pave the way for the nation. I stand uniquely placed in this regard. I was among those who took the risk to midwife the birth of our democracy. I am now a direct and obvious beneficiary of the fruits of those historic efforts.”

As president, Tinubu vowed to preserve and protect the democratic system, pledging to safeguard the rights, freedoms, and liberties of all Nigerian citizens. He underscored the ongoing challenge of maintaining democracy, asserting: “The real test is whether we shall lower our guards as the shadow of despotism and its evident physical danger fade.”

In related news, the Department of State Services (DSS) has drawn a red line on June 12 protests, the Federal Government has declared June 12 a public holiday, and President Tinubu has assured Nigerians that their sacrifices over fuel subsidy removal are not in vain.