DEMOCRACY DAY: Tinubu’ Frowns At One Party System ,Records 3.4% GDP Growth In 2024

 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has delivered a powerful and historic address today, Thursday June 12 2025 at the joint session of the National Assembly, commemorating Democracy Day 2025.

Standing before the lawmakers in the grand National Assembly chamber, the President reflected on Nigeria’s democratic journey, celebrated its heroes, and outlined his administration’s achievements and future plans.

Addressing concerns about the possibility of a one-party state, President Tinubu categorically rejected such notions, assuring Nigerians that his administration would never support political monopolization. He recalled his own political history standing firm against attempts to suppress opposition and welcomed new members joining his party, the APC, from other political parties.

He urged political parties to focus on internal reforms rather than fear defections and called for embracing Nigeria’s political diversity as a strength essential for healthy democratic competition.

Honouring Democracy’s past and present heroes, President Tinubu opened his speech with a solemn tribute to the sacrifices made by Nigerians in the struggle for democracy. He acknowledged former President Muhammadu Buhari’s pivotal decision to designate June 12 as Democracy Day and to recognize Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola and Babagana Kingibe as the rightful winners of the 1993 presidential election.

The President also honoured the memory of democracy activists and martyrs such as Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, Pa Alfred Rewane, Chief Anthony Enahoro, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, and many others who endured imprisonment, exile, and death under military regimes. He emphasized that the fight for democracy was a pan-Nigerian effort transcending ethnic and regional divides.

On economic reforms and social development
highlighting the administration’s economic achievements, the President reported a 3.4% GDP growth in 2024, with inflation easing and foreign reserves increasing fivefold. He credited reforms for stabilizing the Naira exchange rate and improving Nigeria’s sovereign credit rating.

President Tinubu announced plans to empower over 400,000 young Nigerians with consumer credit and emphasized investments in education, vocational training, and digital infrastructure, including a nationwide fibre optic cable project to bridge the digital divide.

He called on the National Assembly to enact legislation that promotes industrial development, job creation, and food security, praising the recent cooperation on a comprehensive Tax Reform Package aimed at supporting small businesses and enhancing tax administration.

On security and governance, Tinubu acknowledged the critical role of national security in sustaining democracy and economic progress. He commended the Armed Forces for their bravery and dedication in protecting Nigeria’s sovereignty and citizens, pledging continued support and investment in security technology and training.

For national honours and recognition in a significant moment, President Tinubu conferred posthumous national honours on numerous heroes of Nigeria’s democracy struggle, including Kudirat Abiola, Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, Ken Saro Wiwa, and others. He also announced full pardons for Ken Saro Wiwa and fellow Ogoni activists, underscoring a commitment to justice and reconciliation.

Additionally, the President decorated the presiding officers of the National Assembly with their national honours, recognizing their leadership roles.

Concluding his address, President Tinubu called on all Nigerians to rededicate themselves to the ideals of June 12—freedom, transparency, social justice, and active citizen participation. He expressed confidence that Nigeria’s democracy, though imperfect, remains vibrant and capable of delivering prosperity.

“Happy Democracy Day, and may God continue to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria and protect our troops,” he said.