President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s speech marking Democracy Day has been praised as thoughtful, particularly his commitment to the ideals of fairness and inclusion, and the promise to reward the people’s endurance pain accompanying the removal of fuel subsidy with vast investments in public amenities.
The nation rose to watch the president’s broadcast earlier today in which he traced the country’s democratic journey and the special significance of MKO Abiola’s sacrifice and courage after his June 12 victory was annulled by anti-democratic forces.
He challenged the nation to continue to walk the path of democracy which, according to him, has been a guiding light for over two decades. He also encouraged losers of the last election to accept their defeat with grace because democracy guarantees an opportunity for today’s losers to become tomorrow’s winners.
He said, “Fellow compatriots, we celebrate a day that has remained a watershed in our nation’s history, not just today, but for every June 12, for the endless future that our beloved country shall exist and wax stronger and stronger, generations of Nigerians will always remind themselves that the democracy that is steadily growing to become the defining essence of our polity was not gifted to us on a silver platter.”
“We can easily recall the sacrifice and martyrdom of Chief MKO Abiola, the custodian of the sacred mandate that was so cruelly annulled. He sacrificed his life in unyielding, patriotic defense of the ideals of democracy as symbolized in his choice, by his fellow countrymen and women, as their duly-elected President. There was an easier choice for him. It was to forgo the justice of his cause and opt for the path of ease and capitulation in the face of the tyranny of power. To his eternal credit and immortal glory, Abiola said no. He demonstrated the time-tested eternal truth that there are certain ideals and principles that are far more valuable than life itself.”
On subsidy, the president reassured Nigerians that he was aware of their pain and that his administration is committed to rewarding their sacrifice by channelling the funds that hitherto went to the corrupt subsidy program into sectors and initiatives that will improve their standard of living.
“I assure you that your sacrifice shall not be in vain. The government I lead will repay you through massive investment in transportation infrastructure, education, regular power supply, healthcare and other public utilities that will improve the quality of lives.”
In reaction, Nigerians described the speech and the president’s promise as thoughtful, humane and confidence-inspiring. Those who commented on social media lauded the president’s transparent leadership style, noting that his administration has consistently engaged the polity with the aim of achieving mutual understanding and support.
They also praised his courage in embarking on difficult reforms, adding that the country’s transformation must come with inevitable pain and tumult as entrenched forces are weeded out and organizations historically resistant to change are restructured to embrace new standards premised on accountability and public interest.