My esteemed compatriots, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all of us for commemorating the observance of another Democracy Day today, the 12th day of June 2024. This year also signifies our nation’s 25th anniversary of uninterrupted democratic governance.
On this day, 31 years ago, we embarked on our journey to evolve into a truly enduring democratic society.
Navigating through this journey was arduous and perilous. Over the momentous six years that ensued, we strived and contended for our inherent rights as human beings placed on this earth by the divine providence of our Creator.
We mourn the loss of great heroes and heroines along the way. In this struggle, the victor of the June 12, 1993, presidential election, Chief MKO Abiola, the most prominent emblem of our democratic fight, his wife, Kudirat, General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, and Pa Alfred Rewane, among others, made the ultimate sacrifice.
They valiantly relinquished their futures so that our nation could have a brighter one.
Let us commemorate the legacies of Chief Anthony Enahoro, Chief Abraham Adesanya, Commodore Dan Suleiman, Chief Arthur Nwankwo, Chief Chukwuemeka Ezeife, Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu, Chief Frank Kokori, Chief Bola Ige, Chief Adekunle Ajasin, Chief Ganiyu Dawodu, Chief Ayo Fasanmi, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, Chief Olabiyi Durojaiye, Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti, Chima Ubani, and others who have transitioned to the higher realm.
The sacrifices made by General Alani Akinrinade, Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, Professor Wole Soyinka, Chief Ralph Obioha, and Chief Cornelius Adebayo, among others, should never be forgotten. For at least six years, they bore the pains and hardships of life in exile.
While the exiled pro-democracy activists kept the flame alive, their comrades at home sustained the pressure on the military authorities. Among the latter are Olisa Agbakoba, Femi Falana, Abdul Oroh, Senator Shehu Sani, Governor Uba Sani, Chief Olu Falae, and other National Democratic Coalition leaders such as Chief Ayo Adebanjo and Chief Ayo Opadokun.
The sacrifices they made, and the invaluable gift brought about by their selfless dedication can never be fully repaid. Nor shall it be forgotten.
We could not have triumphed over military dictatorship without the relentless Nigerian journalists who stood at the forefront alongside the pro-democracy activists. Today, we honor them, along with their media establishments such as The Punch, Guardian, National Concord, Tribune, The News/Tempo, and TELL Magazines. The military authorities proscribed these media outlets and imprisoned their journalists for advocating for free speech and civil liberties.
Despite the formidable power of the military government, what seemed to be impenetrable walls of dictatorship came crashing down. The oppressive stronghold no longer exists.
The power of an idea, the power of the people proved mightier than all the guns and ammunition, and the intimidations of the strongmen.
The nation emerged from the shackles of military rule in 1999 to become the most populous democracy on African soil, a beacon of democratic self-determination for the black race, and one of the largest democracies globally.
This transformation represents a pivotal moment in human history. From this transformation, we shall never look back, nor shall the chronicles of humanity’s progress forget the profound significance of this great moment.
Today, 25 years later, we celebrate the silver jubilee of our democracy journey. We have maintained a steady course.
Democracy is not a foreign or theoretical concept devoid of real-life significance for us. Nor can we afford to diminish or trivialize it as merely being the conduct of periodic elections where one candidate and party surpass another.
While elections attract dramatic attention, they are but one facet of democracy. Democracy is a way of life that encompasses a comprehensive perspective of which elections are just a component. Therefore, a nation can conduct elections without embodying democracy. But a nation cannot truly embody democracy without conducting elections.
The fact that we have established a tradition of conducting transparent, open, and fair elections validates our democratic ethos. The fact that we have witnessed peaceful transitions of government reaffirms our democratic disposition.
Fellow Nigerians, true democracy illuminates the daily lives of the people who live under its nurturing embrace. It grants us the freedom and liberty to think as we please, reside where we choose, and pursue any legitimate endeavor that suits us.
Democracy does not presume a false or coerced unity of opinion. On the contrary, democracy anticipates that conflicting ideas and differing viewpoints will characterize discourse. Given the diversity and richness of the human experience, there must be varied perspectives and stances.
What democracy requires is that we do not resolve disagreements through force and suppression. Instead, we accommodate the legitimacy of views that differ from our own.
Whereas other forms of governance impose against the will of the people, democracy aims to make leaders sufficiently humble that they act as servants of the common good, not as representatives of the narrow interests of the powerful.
My dear fellow citizens, Nigeria faced a decision of immense gravity twenty-five years ago: Whether to steer towards a better destination or continue wandering aimlessly in the fog of dictatorship.
We made the right decision then. We must uphold that decision now. As Nigerians, we must remind ourselves that no matter how intricate democracy may be, it remains the most effective form of governance in the long run. We must also be cognizant that there are those among us who will attempt to exploit current challenges to undermine, if not dismantle, this democracy for which so much has already been sacrificed.
These individuals do not seek to improve matters but to subject all other people and entities to their control and dominance until, if you are not part of their elite circle, your existence will be marginalized and no longer within your control.
This is the great battle of our era and the primary reason we commemorate this Democracy Day with special significance. Fellow Nigerians, our Democracy is more than a historical fact. It is a vibrant, living reality.
The true essence of this day is not merely to dwell on the heroic deeds of the past that have brought us to this juncture.
Indeed, we pay eternal tribute to those who laid down their lives, sacrificing everything to pave the way for the nation.
I find myself in a unique position in this regard. I was among those who took the risk to facilitate the birth of our democracy. I am now a direct and evident beneficiary of the fruits of those historic endeavors.
As the president of this nation, I am morally and constitutionally bound to safeguard this precious form of governance. I pledge to do my utmost to protect your rights, freedoms, and liberties as citizens of Nigeria.
Moreover, I vow to take any necessary steps to solidify democracy as our way of life. Despite the steep and manifold challenges, I am honored to lead Nigeria at this juncture in her history and stage in her democratic voyage.
I come before you to declare that our most crucial work lies ahead of us. The real challenge has never been whether we would rise to confront the perils of dictatorship and severe oppression.
The true challenge is whether we shall lower our vigilance as the shadow of despotism and its evident physical threats recede.
I affirm here and now that as we celebrate the establishment of our political democracy, let us commit ourselves to the attainment of its equally vital counterpart, the realization of our economic democracy.
I acknowledge the economic hardships we encounter as a nation. Our economy has been in dire need of reform for decades. It has been unbalanced due to its flawed reliance on revenues from oil exploitation.
The reforms we have initiated are designed to establish a more robust, stable foundation for future growth. While the reforms have brought about hardships, they are essential corrections necessary to rectify the economy over the long term so that everyone has access to economic opportunities, fair remuneration, and just compensation for their labor.
As we continue to reform the economy, I will always heed the voice of the people and will never turn my back on you.
In this spirit, we have engaged in sincere negotiations with organized labor on a new national minimum wage. We will soon submit an executive bill to the National Assembly to enshrine what has been agreed upon as part of our legislation for the next five years or less.
In response to labor’s call for a national strike, we did not seek to suppress or crack down on the workers as a dictatorial regime would have done. We opted for cooperation over conflict if one was detained or threatened. Instead, the labor leadership was invited to engage in dialogue and negotiate toward a mutually beneficial resolution.
Rational discourse and principled compromise are the hallmarks of democracy. These principles will continue to guide my policies and engagements with the various components of our political economy.
I undertake this vital task without partiality or bias and commit myself to this endeavor until we have built a Nigeria where no one is oppressed.
Ultimately, our national greatness will not be attained by taking the easy path. It can only be achieved by taking the right one.
The words of the American President Franklin Roosevelt ring true: “There are many ways of moving forward. But only one way of standing still.”
We must not slumber lest the opportunities awaiting our immediate future pass us by. We must not remain idle in the midst of the crossroads of hope and despair.
We know the right path forward, and we shall take it.
The initial glimmers of a brighter tomorrow now appear on the early horizon. A prosperous future and our capacity to achieve that future are within our grasp. Democracy and the institutions it engenders offer to guide us to our profound destination.
Let us embark on this progressive journey together. Together, let us propel Nigeria forward. Let us continue to keep the flame of democracy ablaze. Let us keep the torch burning for generations to come. May God continue to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria and uphold our democracy. I wish us all a Happy Democracy Day.
