By Gloria Ikibah 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in a powerful address to a joint session of the National Assembly on Wednesday, to mark Nigeria’s 26th Democracy Day, has called for greater political openness, legislative tolerance, and national unity.

President Tinubu also announced a sweeping list of national honours in recognition of individuals who have contributed to Nigeria’s democratic journey.

Speaking before lawmakers in Abuja, the President emphasised the need for Nigeria’s democracy to remain inclusive, tolerant, and resilient. He urged legislators to guard civil liberties and resist the temptation to suppress dissent.

The President stressed that constructive criticism, even from political opponents, should not be silenced, noting that “the imposed silence of repressed voices breeds chaos and ill will.”

He said: “We must be vigilant in expanding the political space. We must always value dialogue over dictatorship, persuasion over suppression and rights over might. Be tolerant and broad-minded in your legislative action regarding speech and civil liberties.

“Do not be afraid to hear an unkind word spoken against you. Some of the best advice a politician gets sometimes comes from his most ferocious opponents. We dare not seek silence because the imposed silence of repressed voices breeds chaos and ill will, not the harmonics of democracy in the long term.

“While malicious slander and libel should not go unattended, no one should bear the brunt of injustice for merely writing a bad report about me or calling me names. Democracy requires a fair degree of tolerance for harsh words and stinging insults. Call me names, call me whatever you will, and I will still call upon democracy to defend your right to do so. Mr. Senate President, Mr. Speaker, Distinguished Senators and Honourable Members.

“Our nation is not perfect, but it is strong. Our democracy is not invincible, but it is alive. And this means our dream of a prosperous, happy nation is still within reach and worth fighting for.

“Mr. Chairman, Nigeria is at an inflexion point, undergoing structural and fundamental change toward a secure future”.

President Tinubu further emphasised his administration’s efforts to strengthen governance, and outlined key economic initiatives, including tax reforms aimed at easing the burden on small businesses, the launch of a ₦100 billion-backed National Credit Guarantee Company, and ongoing investments in infrastructure, energy, and manufacturing to boost productivity.

“Our administration is fully committed to boosting the economy’s productive base. Through investment in critical infrastructure, roads, expansion of port operations, rail, and power we are creating a new environment in which industry and manufacturing can thrive. Our tax and fiscal policy reforms will streamline tax administration and eliminate burdensome and multiple taxes enabling our industrialists and entrepreneurs to operate in a more conducive environment.

“Governance must work and deliver value to the people. As part of our tax reforms, we have provided small businesses with an exemption and established the Office of the Tax Ombudsman to ensure transparency and protect taxpayer rights. Digital tools now help us track performance and reduce waste. The Diaspora Bond and Non-Resident BVN are bringing Nigerians abroad into the national development fold.

“In line with my promise during my New Year address to the nation, I recently appointed the board of directors of the newly established National Credit Guarantee Company. The company backed with 100 billion naira in initial capital; with BOI, which, by the way, is performing very well in supporting SMEs, NSIA, CreditCorp, and MOFI as stakeholders, will play a significant role in transforming the nation’s industrial landscape and reducing corruption”, he stated.

He also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to national security, as he said that operations have intensified to recover areas once threatened by insurgents, while paying tribute to the Armed Forces for their courage and dedication.

“National Security is the foundation of peace and progress. We have intensified security operations to reclaim communities from criminals and terrorists. We are better at coordinating intelligence, and inter-agency cooperation has improved. Our highways are safer, and we invest in technology and training to secure every inch of this country.

“Let us take this opportunity to thank the men and women of our Armed Forces for their bravery in service of the nation. Their selfless dedication to protecting our sovereignty and ensuring the safety of citizens should serve as an inspiration to us all. As we celebrate the progress of our democracy, we must not forget the pivotal role they play in safeguarding our freedoms. For their courage and commitment, they deserve not only our gratitude but also our continued support, prayers and recognition.

“Fellow compatriots, our achievements are not the work of one man. They are the result of a collective effort to make possible the Nigerian Dream. Yet, the journey is not over. We must work even harder to translate broad macroeconomic gains into tangible improvements in the lives of ordinary Nigerians. We must stay the course, reject cynicism, and believe Nigeria can and will rise again”, he added.

In a historic gesture, President Tinubu announced posthumous and living national honours for over 60 Nigerians who have played critical roles in the country’s democratic development, including civil rights activists, journalists, politicians, and military leaders.

Among those honoured posthumously were:

• Kudirat Abiola (CFR), the late wife of Chief MKO Abiola, recognised for her role in the June 12 democracy struggle.
• Shehu Musa Yar’Adua (GCFR), a key figure in the pro-democracy movement.
• Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti, Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu, and Alhaji Balarabe Musa, all awarded national honours for their resistance against military rule.

Living honourees included Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka (GCON), human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN (CON), Catholic Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah (CON), and veteran journalist Uncle Sam Amuka Pemu, who was specially recognised on the eve of his 90th birthday.

In a landmark move, Tinubu also granted posthumous pardons and national honours to Ken Saro-Wiwa and the other eight members of the Ogoni Nine, decades after their controversial execution under the Abacha regime. “I shall be exercising my powers under the prerogative of mercy to grant these national heroes a full pardon,” he announced.

“Fellow compatriots, our achievements are not the work of one man. They are the result of a collective effort to make possible the Nigerian Dream. Yet, the journey is not over. We must work even harder to translate broad macroeconomic gains into tangible improvements in the lives of ordinary Nigerians. We must stay the course, reject cynicism, and believe Nigeria can and will rise again.

“As we mark a twenty-sixth year of unbroken democracy, it is right to honour those who have made sacrifices in the past, braving all the odds and the guns to ensure we have a regime of democracy in our country.

“In this light, I announce the conferment of the posthumous national honour of CFR on Kudirat Abiola, the heroine of the June 12 struggle.

“I also confer posthumous national honours on Shehu Musa Yar’Adua (GCFR), Prof. Humphrey Nwosu (CON), Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu (CON), Alhaji Balarabe Musa (CFR), Pa. Alfred Rewani (CFR), Bagauda Kaltho (OON), Chima Ubani (OON), Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti (CON), Alao Aka Bashorun (CON), Chief Frank Kokori (CON), Emma Ezeazu (OON), Bamidele Aturu (OON), Fredrick Fasehun (CON), Professor Festus Iyayi (CON), Dr John Yima Sen (OON), Alhaja Sawaba Gambo (CON), Dr. Edwin Madunagu (CON), Dr. Alex Ibru (CON), Chief Bola Ige (CFR), Pa. Reuben Fasoranti (CFR), Sen. Ayo Fasanmi (CON), Sen. Polycarp Nwite (CON) and Dr. Nurudeen Olowopopo (CON).

“I also confer national honours on Prof. Wole Soyinka (GCON), Prof. Olatunji Dare (CON), the journalist and journalism teacher; Kunle Ajibade (OON); Nosa Igiebor (OON), Dapo Olorunyomi (OON), Bayo Onanuga (CON), Ayo Obe (OON), Dare Babarinsa (CON), Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah (CON), Senator Shehu Sani (CON), Governor Uba Sani (CON), Barrister Femi Falana, SAN (CON), Prof. Shafideen Amuwo (CON), Barrister Luke Aghanenu (OON), Senator Tokunbo Afikuyomi (CON), Hon. Labaran Maku (OON), Dr. Tunji Alausa (CON), Mr Nick Dazang (OON), Hon Abdul Oroh (OON), Odia Ofeimun (CON), Seye Kehinde (OON), Barrister Felix Morka (CON) Barrister Ledum Mitee (CON), Hon. Olawale Osun (CON), Dr. Amos Akingba (CON), Prof. Segun Gbadegesin (CON), Mobolaji Akinyemi (CFR), Dr. Kayode Shonoiki (CON), Prof. Julius Ihonvbere (CON), Prof. Bayo Williams (CON), Sen. Abu Ibrahim (CFR), and Sen. Ame Ebute (CFR).

“Additionally, I confer the national honour of CON on Uncle Sam Amuka Pemu, a legendary journalist and publisher who remains true to his lifetime calling as he marks his 90th birthday tomorrow, June 13.

“Furthermore, I also confer posthumous national honours on Ken Saro Wiwa (CON), the leader of the Ogoni Nine and his fellow travellers, Saturday Dobee (OON), Nordu Eawo (OON), Daniel Gbooko (OON), Paul Levera (OON), Felix Nuate (OON), Baribor Bera (OON), Barinem Kiobel (OON), and John Kpuine (OON). I shall also be exercising my powers under the prerogative of mercy to grant these national heroes a full pardon, together with others whose names shall be announced later in conjunction with the National Council of State.

“Finally, it is my great privilege to now decorate the presiding officers of the National Assembly with the National Honours earlier conferred upon them last year”, he announced. 

Tinubu reaffirmed his belief in Nigeria’s democratic resilience and called for continued collective effort to improve the lives of citizens. “Our democracy is not invincible, but it is alive… and our dream of a prosperous, happy nation is still within reach and worth fighting for,” he said.

The President ended by decorating the presiding officers of the National Assembly with national honours earlier conferred on them, symbolizing unity between the executive and legislative arms of government.