Full Text of President Tinubu’s Broadcast to Commemorate 25 Years of Unbroken Democracy for the Record
1.Let me start by applauding all of us Nigerians for being present for the celebration of another Democracy Day on this day, June 12, 2024. Additionally,
this year symbolizes the 25 years of continuous democratic government in our country.
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.Along the road, we lost several incredible heroes and heroines. 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’s pay tribute to 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 other individuals who have departed to a higher plane.
7.Among many others, we should never forget the sacrifices made by Chief Ralph Obioha, Chief Cornelius Adebayo,
Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, Professor Wole Soyinka, and General Alani Akinrinade. They endured the hardships of exile for a minimum of six years.
8.The pro-democracy activists who were banished maintained the flame 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.It is impossible to repay the sacrifices they made or the priceless gift that resulted from their unselfish devotion. It won’t be forgotten either.
10.Without the unstoppable Nigerian journalists who climbed the barricades alongside the pro-democracy protestors, we would
not have been able to defeat the military regime. 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.
11.The seemingly impregnable walls of dictatorship collapsed in spite of the military government’s deadly might. The gloomy stronghold is no more.
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. After escaping military dictatorship in 1999, the country grew to become one of the biggest democracies in the world,
the most populous democracy on African land, and the symbol of democratic self-determination for the black community.
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. Although they receive a lot of attention, elections are only one 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 does not presuppose an artificial or coerced consensus. 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 beloved countrymen, Twenty-five years ago, Nigeria had to make the extremely important option of whether to go in the direction
of improvement or keep going in the direction of uncertainty under a dictatorship.
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 individuals don’t do this to improve things; rather, they do this to subjugate all other individuals and objects to their power
and authority to the point where, should you fall outside of their elite, your existence will become meaningless and belonged to no one else.
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.Yes, we give those who gave their lives and gave everything to help the country’s progress eternal honor.
32. In this sense, my position is distinct. I was one of the brave few who helped to birth our democracy. I am now clearly and directly benefiting from their historic efforts.
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 test is whether we will let down our guard when the physical threat posed by authoritarianism fades.
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 goal of the reforms we’ve started is to build a better, stronger base for expansion in the future. Without a question,
the reforms have brought forth difficulties. 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. Unlike a dictatorship administration, we did not try to repress or repress the workers in response to labor’s request for a nationwide strike. 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. You can only get there by making the correct choice.
49. It is undeniably true what US President Franklin D. Roosevelt said:
There are numerous paths that one can take. 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. Come with me as we go on this forward-thinking train. 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 to all of us.
*On June 12, 2024, Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will make a national broadcast to commemorate the 25th anniversary of unbroken democracy.
