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…as secure release of 21 inmates, donates 1,000 motorcycles to teachers

…urge politicians to shun divisive politics ahead of 2027 elections

By Gloria Ikibah

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, has declared that democracy is now firmly rooted in Nigeria, insisting that after 27 uninterrupted years of civilian rule, the country has moved beyond the era of military decrees and authoritarian governance.

Speaking in Zaria on Friday during the fifth phase of his empowerment programme, where he distributed 1,000 motorcycles to primary and secondary school teachers in Zaria Federal Constituency to commemorate Democracy Day, Abbas said Nigeria’s democratic journey had become irreversible.

Joining President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other Nigerians in celebrating Democracy Day, the Speaker said the nation had made remarkable progress since the return to civilian rule in 1999.

“Our democracy has come to stay. Nigeria will never again be governed by decree. Nigeria will be governed by consent,” he declared.

As part of the celebrations, Abbas also secured the release of 21 inmates from the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Zaria after settling their fines and related obligations amounting to ₦17.5 million.

The beneficiaries, drawn from various parts of Kaduna State, had served prison terms ranging from seven months to five years. Many of the freed inmates expressed gratitude to the Speaker for giving them a second chance.

Addressing the teachers who received motorcycles, Abbas said his decision to prioritise educators was deeply personal.
“I prioritised the welfare and well-being of teachers because everything I am began in a classroom, and no nation rises above the quality of its teachers.

“Let these motorcycles carry you to school. But let them also carry a message: that democracy can touch ordinary lives, in practical ways, right here at home. Teach our children honesty, hard work, and love of country. Teach them what June 12 means,” he said.

The Speaker paid tribute to prominent figures who played significant roles in Nigeria’s struggle for democracy, saying their sacrifices paved the way for the freedoms Nigerians enjoy today.

“But democracy did not fall from the sky. It was paid for in blood, in tears, in exile, and in detention. We remember Chief MKO Abiola, whose mandate of June 12, 1993, was stolen, and who died in custody rather than surrender it. We remember Kudirat Abiola. And we remember our own. General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, a son of the North, who died in prison because he demanded a return to civil rule.

“Malam Aminu Kano, who spent his life insisting that the talakawa must have a voice in how they are governed. Our own Alhaji Balarabe Musa from Kaduna State, who spoke truth to power until his final breath. And here in Zaria, the late Dr Yusuf Bala Usman of Ahmadu Bello University, who taught generations that citizens must question their rulers. June 12 is their day. We stand on their shoulders,” Abbas said.

According to him, despite the imperfections of democracy, Nigerians continue to embrace it because it remains the best system for peaceful change and accountability.

Abbas contrasted Nigeria’s democratic stability with developments in some African countries where elected governments have been overthrown by military regimes.

“Nigerians continue to keep faith in democracy because it is the only system that allows a nation to correct its mistakes without bloodshed. It gives the farmer in Kwarbai the same single vote as the billionaire in Lagos. It allows you to question me, your Speaker. It allows you to question all your other leaders.

“What happened in countries such as Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso, Niger and Gabon cannot happen in Nigeria because we have chosen to be vigilant. Nigeria will never again be governed by decree. Nigeria will be governed by consent,” he stated.

The Speaker argued that democratic legitimacy must be matched with tangible results and defended the economic reforms introduced by President Tinubu since taking office.

“Let us be honest. He inherited subsidy distortions, exchange-rate chaos, collapsing revenues, and an economy on the brink of failure. The easy option was to keep postponing reality. He refused. And the numbers now speak.

“Inflation peaked at 34.8 per cent in December 2024. By April this year, it had fallen to 15.69 per cent. GDP growth rose from 2.74 per cent in 2023 to 3.87 per cent in 2025, and global institutions project growth of 4.4 per cent in 2026.

“Our gross external reserves crossed 50 billion dollars in February, the highest in 13 years, up from net reserves of barely 4 billion dollars at the end of 2023. Government revenues more than doubled, from 17.08 trillion Naira in 2023 to 37.44 trillion Naira in 2025, with money now flowing to roads, schools, hospitals, and salaries across all three tiers. Capital inflows jumped from 654 million dollars in late 2023 to 5.6 billion dollars by early 2025,” he said.

Abbas also highlighted the impact of the Student Loan Fund and investments in healthcare, security and infrastructure.

“Through the Student Loan Fund, over 1.3 million young Nigerians have received more than 242 billion Naira across 280 tertiary institutions. Right here, Ahmadu Bello University alone received over 1 billion Naira for 17,599 students.

“The number of primary healthcare centres is being doubled from 9,000 to 18,000 by next year. Defence spending has risen from 2.98 trillion Naira to 4.91 trillion Naira, and the road from Abuja through Kaduna to Kano, once a corridor of fear, is being rebuilt while the trains run again,” he said.

On the strength of those achievements, the Speaker openly endorsed President Tinubu for a second term in office.

“That is why, as 2027 approaches, I say without hesitation: this is not the time to change course. Renewed Hope is working. The evidence is on the table. Let us finish the job,” he declared.

Turning to legislative reforms, Abbas said the National Assembly had consistently risen to critical national challenges over the past 27 years.

He recalled the legislature’s opposition to the proposed third-term agenda in 2006, the adoption of the Doctrine of Necessity in 2010, the passage of the Freedom of Information Act, the creation of anti-corruption agencies, the Not Too Young To Run legislation, the Petroleum Industry Act and electoral reforms that strengthened transparency in elections.

“The Tenth Assembly is building on that inheritance with the most ambitious constitutional review in our history. Twelve public hearings across all six geopolitical zones. From 260 alteration bills, a first batch of 37 has now been prioritised. And each answers a problem you live with,” he said.

He pointed to the recent passage of the State Police Bill, alongside proposals for an Electoral Offences Commission, independent candidacy, greater autonomy for state electoral commissions and local government autonomy as evidence of the Assembly’s reform agenda.

As political activities ahead of the 2027 general election gather momentum, Abbas cautioned politicians against inflaming ethnic and religious tensions for political gain.

“Politics is not war, and the opponent is not the enemy.

“I call on all of us to campaign with facts, not fear. With ideas, not insults. Do not inflame religion. Do not weaponise ethnicity. Do not set fire to the house we all must live in simply to rule its ashes.

“The politician who destabilises Nigeria to win power will inherit nothing worth governing. History is watching, and so are our children. Let 2027 be remembered as the election in which Nigeria’s political class chose the country over self,” he said.

He also urged young Nigerians not to lose faith in the democratic process despite current challenges.

“And to you, young Nigerians, my message is direct. I know your frustrations are real. But this country is yours, and it is worth fighting for with your PVC, not your despair.

“Do not surrender the future to cynicism. Register. Vote. Run for office. Build businesses. Question us. Hold us to account. The same democracy that let a schoolteacher’s son become Speaker is open to every one of you. Hope is not naïve. Hope, backed by work, is the most radical force in any nation,” Abbas said.

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By Gloria Ikibah

The European Union (EU) has congratulated Nigeria on the occasion of Democracy Day, commending the country’s democratic progress while emphasising that democracy remains a continuous process that must be nurtured through participation, accountability and inclusive governance.

In a Democracy Day message, the Head of the European Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ambassador Gautier Mignot, described democracy as more than an event or milestone, stressing that it is sustained through active citizen engagement and strong institutions.

“Democracy is not a single moment. It is a movement, free conversations leading to decisions, millions of voices demanding to be heard, and taken into account. Democracy is a daily duty. It thrives in the work of institutions, in the participation of citizens, in peaceful dialogue, and in the belief that progress must belong to everyone,” he said.

Reflecting on the significance of June 12, Mignot noted that the day offers Nigerians an opportunity to remember the end of military rule and assess the country’s democratic journey.

The EU envoy acknowledged that Nigeria’s democracy has continued to evolve despite numerous challenges, driven by citizen participation, dialogue and the aspirations of its people.

“Today, Nigeria marks Democracy Day, remembering the end of the dark days of dictatorship, a moment to reflect on the democratic journey, and on the millions of Nigerians, who continue to struggle to shape its future every single day.

“Nigeria’s democracy continues to evolve, shaped by participation, strengthened through dialogue, and driven by the energy and aspirations of its people: from communities demanding accountability to young people redefining civic participation, to women expanding the space for leadership and representation.

“Across Nigeria and in spite of many challenges, democracy continues to grow through resilience, reform and inclusion,” he added.

Mignot reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s democratic institutions and processes through various initiatives, particularly the EU Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) programme.

“The European Union is proud to stand alongside Nigeria in that journey. Through the EU Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) programme, we are supporting institutions, partnerships and democratic processes that help strengthen participation, dialogue and inclusive engagement.
“We are supporting Nigeria’s electoral umpire in areas that improve broader participation, democratic engagement, institutional learning, and the continued evolution of the electoral processes in Nigeria.

According to him, the EU has continued to provide support to Nigeria’s electoral system, peace-building initiatives and justice sector reforms aimed at strengthening democratic governance.

“We are working alongside the National Peace Committee and partners across the country, to encourage peaceful participation, democratic dialogue, and national cohesion, before, during and beyond elections.

“We are supporting legislative engagement, policy dialogue and collaboration across the justice sector in ways that help to strengthen accountability, democratic practice and the rule of law,” he said.

The ambassador also highlighted ongoing efforts to promote greater inclusion of women, young people and persons with disabilities in governance and democratic participation.

“Across the country, we also continue to support greater inclusion for women, young people and persons with disabilities, because democracy is strongest when more voices are represented,” he noted.

Addressing the challenges posed by the digital age, Mignot said the EU remains committed to supporting independent media organisations, civic information platforms and fact-checking networks to strengthen democratic discourse.

“And in a rapidly changing digital environment, we continue to support the independent media, civic information platforms and verification networks working to strengthen public information and democratic discourse.

“Because democracy depends on participation, on accountability, on peaceful dialogue, and on citizens believing their voices still matter. Across Nigeria, we continue to see that belief taking shape,” he said.

He pointed to the growing civic consciousness among Nigerians, particularly younger generations, as evidence of democracy’s resilience.

“In classrooms, in newsroHjoms, in town halls, in communities and in the energy of a new generation, determined to shape the future,” he remarked.

Mignot further noted that through the EU’s Global Gateway Strategy, the bloc would continue investing in partnerships that promote opportunity, participation and long-term development.

“Through the Global Gateway Strategy, the European Union continues to invest in partnerships that expand opportunity, strengthen participation and support long-term resilience for the next generation.

“Because democracy is never finished, it must never be taken for granted. It must be protected, strengthened and renewed together.

“Happy Democracy Day, Nigeria,” he said.

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OUR GENERATION MUST SECURE PROSPERITY

By Bola Tinubu

Today, we celebrate democracy and the enduring Nigerian spirit. For 27 unbroken years, since May 29, 1999, Nigerians have chosen their leaders through the ballot, witnessed peaceful transitions of power, and resolved disagreements in courtrooms and legislative chambers—not through violence. We have experienced the longest stretch of civilian rule in our history. Our democracy is not perfect, but it is ours, and we must continue to defend and strengthen it.

In the coming days, Ekiti and Osun States will hold elections. I urge INEC, security agencies, and all parties to ensure these polls are peaceful and credible. Democracy fails when citizens doubt the process. To our National Assembly, Judiciary, the Press, and Civil Society: you are the guardrails of our republic. Criticise me, disagree with me, but never stop believing in Nigeria.

To our young people: Nigeria is your home and your future. Build here, code here, work here, and vote here. Every great nation was built by those who stayed to solve problems, not by those who abandoned ship.

To our armed forces, police, and intelligence services: Nigeria salutes your sacrifice. To our traditional rulers, faith leaders, and community heads: thank you for your support of peace and reconciliation. The government cannot do it alone.

Today, we honour the resilience of Nigerians who refused to surrender their faith in freedom, and the courage of those who stood firm against intimidation. We pay tribute to patriots who endured persecution, imprisonment, exile, and even death so that future generations could enjoy democracy. I salute labour leaders, journalists, activists, students, women, professionals, political leaders, and soldiers—both those who have passed and those still with us—for their patriotic contributions.

Though this year’s mood is dampened by the abduction of our children in Oyo and Borno, we remain hopeful for their safe return. Democracy without security is not solid enough. That is why this administration declared a security emergency and approved the recruitment of more than 50,000 new police officers and thousands of military recruits. Our 2026 budget commits N5.41 trillion—our largest ever—to defence and security. Our administration is ever ready to do much more to secure our people.

We have moved from training with our allies, the United States, France and other European countries, to precision targeting. In Arege, Borno State, we degraded ISWAP’s command centre. Terror-related deaths are down by 81% since 2015. Over 13,000 terrorists have been neutralised in the past year. But we also keep the door of surrender open. Over 124,000 fighters and dependents have laid down their arms since 2023 through Operation Safe Corridor.

To bandits, kidnappers, and sponsors of terror: Surrender or face the full force of the Nigerian State. These windows of surrender will not remain open forever. No mercy will be shown to those who trade in the blood of Nigerians.

At a time like this, let us not assign blame or point fingers. Crime has no ethnicity. We must stand united and be assured that the enemies of our nation shall soon be history. We will triumph over terror and continue to build a more prosperous nation.

June 12 occupies a sacred place in our national memory. It represents more than an election; it is a defining chapter in our story. We remember Chief M.K.O. Abiola, who won a pan-Nigerian mandate transcending ethnicity and religion. We remember Alhaja Kudirat Abiola.

We also remember Chief Gani Fawehinmi, Chief Bola Ige, Chief Alfred Rewane, Pa Abraham Adesanya, Chief Anthony Enahoro, Alhaji Balarabe Musa, Commodore Dan Suleiman, Dr Beko Ransome-Kuti, Frank Kokori, Arthur Nwankwo, Chima Ubani, Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, and the many other heroes and heroines of democracy whose sacrifices helped secure the freedoms we enjoy today.

As beneficiaries of their struggle, we have a duty to strengthen and deepen the democratic institutions for which they fought. The greatest tribute we can pay is to build a Nigeria where freedom is protected, justice is upheld, opportunity is expanded, and government is accountable.

June 12, 1993, revealed the possibility of a true Nigerian nation. The heroes of June 12 secured political freedom. Our challenge is to secure economic freedom. Democracy must be felt in the quality of people’s lives—in opportunities for youth, in prosperous farmers, successful entrepreneurs, and the dignity of our workers.

The reforms we are undertaking were not chosen for ease, but for necessity. Three years ago, our public finances were under severe strain, investment was discouraged, and economic uncertainty threatened our future. We chose to act, embracing reforms to advance Nigeria’s economic freedom.

Since 2023, our reforms have restored stability and credibility to economic management. Federation revenues have risen, providing states and local governments with more resources for infrastructure, education, healthcare, and security. Fiscal transparency has improved, leakage has been reduced, and public funds are better directed to national priorities. Investor confidence has returned, with investments in agriculture, energy, manufacturing, technology, mining, transportation, and the creative industries growing.

Domestic refining capacity has increased, strengthening energy security and reducing our reliance on imported petroleum products.

By 2023, when we came on board, the electricity sector was characterised by chronic generation shortfalls, an unreliable gas supply, and transmission infrastructure so fragile that it could not evacuate available power. Distribution companies were burdened by massive losses and a metering deficit of over four million. Worst of all, the value chain was drowning in legacy debt. The result was a sector that generated less than the 13,500 Megawatts installed capacity, a sector that transmitted less than it generated, distributed less than it transmitted and collected revenue far below what it needed to sustain itself.

To address the problems besetting the sector, I signed the Electricity Act, which grants states authority to generate, transmit, and distribute power. The Presidential Power Sector Task Force is working hard to reduce the metering deficit. It has also been authorised to raise N4 trillion bond to settle verified legacy debts. The Rural Electrification Agency, supported by the World Bank and the African Development Bank, has deployed off-grid and mini-grid power to underserved communities, universities, markets, and hospitals. Electricity is a democratic dividend we owe every Nigerian. We intend to deliver it.

Across the country, infrastructure projects are connecting producers to markets and creating opportunities for enterprise and employment. The National Agricultural Development Fund is deploying 10,000 tractors over five years. Over 1,000 SMEs have been certified for export. Non-oil exports grew by 21% last year.

Yet, many Nigerians still face economic hardship. We remain focused on reducing inflation, expanding food production, creating jobs, improving living standards, rebuilding confidence in our economy, and creating conditions for sustainable prosperity.

We are moving from uncertainty to stability. The next phase is about accelerating growth and ensuring the benefits are felt in every home, every community, and every region. We believe that Democracy must be felt in the pocket.

Recognising that democracy is undermined when people do not feel its impact, my administration has sought financial autonomy for our 774 local councils. A fundamental challenge to our nation’s advancement has been ineffective local government administration. The insecurity we are addressing is partly due to the collapse of grassroots governance. The Renewed Hope Agenda is about ensuring that all Nigerians benefit from governance.

Every generation has a defining responsibility. The generation of our founding fathers secured independence—the generation of June 12 secured democracy. Our generation must secure prosperity.

Let us move forward together—rejecting division, cynicism, and despair; embracing unity, hope, and confidence. Let us build a Nigeria united by a common purpose, strengthened by diversity, where justice is accessible, liberty is secure, and opportunity is abundant.

Among the architects of modern democratic Nigeria, we honour General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua for his vision of national partnership. In recognition of his contributions, the Federal Government has approved the revitalisation and renaming of the completed Institute of Petroleum Studies, Kaduna, as the General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua University of Geological Sciences and Engineering Technology.

I am also pleased to announce national awards to the following Nigerians, who suffered persecution, endured indignities, exile, incarceration, and, at times, solitary confinement, so that we have democracy today.

Barrister Ayoka Lawani
Tunde Fagbenle
Oladele Alake
Olatunji Bello
Louis Odion
Segun Babatope
Sam Omatseye
Sir Ademola Osinubi
Bola Bolawole
Lade Bonuola
Femi Kusa
Debo Adeniran
Chief Ayo Opadokun
Chief Ralph Obiora
Ose Osayande
Barrister Osa Director
Prof. Sylvester Odion-Akhaine
Dr Arthur Nwankwo (Posthumous)
Dr Osagie Obayuwana
Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin
Barrister Titus Mann
Joe Igbokwe
Richard Akinnola
Ben Charles-Obi (Posthumous)
George Mbah
Dr Niran Malaolu
Major-General Ishola Williams (rtd)
Femi Aborisade
Jenkins Alumona
Gbemiga Ogunleye
Muyiwa Adekeye
Babajide Kolade-Otitoju
Ike Okonta

We also recognise the soldier-democrats of the June 12 struggle:
Major General MA Garba
Brigadier General Lawal Jaafaru Isa
Col Umar Farouk Ahmed;
Col Sambo Dasuki;
Col Lawan Gwadabe;
Brigadier Jonathan Ndam Temlong
Col Musa Shehu;
Major General Chris Eze;
Major General Harris Dzarma;
Col Isa Jibrin;
Maj. General Joseph Oshanupin;
Col Olusegun Oloruntoba, Olugbede of Gbede Kingdom)
Lieutenant Colonel Happy Kefas Bulus
Col J Okai;
Col Emmanuel Ndubueze;
Lt Col Yakubu Muazu
Brigadier Yahaya Abubakar, the Current Etsu Nupe, who is already the holder of the CFR title.

The honours list will be released in the next few days.

Fellow Nigerians, 27 years ago, many doubted democracy would survive here because of our diversity. Today, our diversity sustains our democracy. The road ahead is steep. But June 12 reminds us: Nigerians do not break. We bend, we bleed, but we do not break.

Let us renew our covenant: That the labours of our heroes past shall never be in vain, and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from this land.

May God bless the heroes of our democracy. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria. May God continue to bless us all.

*Happy Democracy Day.*