ADDRESS BY PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU, GCFR
AT THE JOINT SESSION OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY IN COMMEMORATION OF
DEMOCRACY DAY, 2025
THURSDAY, 12TH JUNE 2025
With profound honour, I stand before this joint session of our National Assembly; a parliament that embodies the will of the Nigerian people.
Full speech below:
Today, as I entered this grand edifice built from the sweat
and toil of our democratic yearning, my heart stirred. It was a blend of
accomplishment and resolve.
I felt a sense of collective accomplishment when I realised
how far we had come as a nation. Since 1999, democracy has risen from the ashes
and destitution of military rule to take its rightful place as the only mode of
governance of our resilient and beloved people.
With every footstep I took through these hallowed halls up
to the moment I now stand before you, I remembered that we still have much
further to go.
To achieve this progress, we sought an elective office to
lead this nation forward. Thus, I hereby affirm before our Merciful and
Almighty God and all men my resolve to do all that I can to safeguard and build
our democracy as the Divine hand intends for us to do.
Since 2018, we have celebrated Democracy Day on this day; to
commemorate the sacrifices of the men and women who fought to restore
democratic governance to Nigeria.
Let me pay tribute to former President Muhammadu Buhari for
reaching back into history to rectify a national misdeed by making June 12
Democracy Day and by officially acknowledging Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale
Abiola and his running mate, Babagana Kingibe, as the victors and
thus duly elected President and Vice President respectively
of Nigeria after the June 12, 1993 elections.
Year by year, election after election, every time we debate
instead of battle, discuss instead of fight, and argue instead of destroy, we
preserve the institutions of democracy. More importantly, we weave the culture
of democracy into the very fabric of our nation.
Whilst Chief MKO Abiola is June 12’s central figure, we must
not forget the long list of those who equally deserve to be called heroes of
Nigerian democracy.
We must celebrate the courage of Alhaja Kudirat Abiola and
Pa Alfred Rewane, both of whom were murdered by agents of military repression.
We also remember the many civil rights activists, journalists, and politicians
imprisoned, exiled, tossed aside, tortured and beaten by the military regime.
We remember Chief Anthony Enahoro, Commodore Dan Suleiman,
Chief Abraham Adesanya, Ayo Adebanjo, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, Balarabe Musa,
Ganiyu Dawodu, the journalist Bagauda Kaltho, and Commodore Ndubuisi Kanu.
I mention these names not to exclude or degrade the profound
contributions of anyone else, but to illustrate, through these few heroes, the
universality of our pursuit of democracy.
The struggle was never the province of any one group or
section of the country, it was pan-Nigerian in its conception and will be even
more pan-Nigerian as we strive to perfect it.
It is fitting that I come to this chamber. You are the
authors of the people’s law, and I must be their faithful implementer. While we
may not always agree, we must forge a way to work together because this is what
democracy demands of us. I pledge myself to this cooperation and ask that you
do the same for the good of our people.
Mr. Chairman, the National Assembly has acted to uphold
democratic ideals at every critical moment in our national history. In 2006,
the 5th National Assembly protected our democracy against an unseemly
third-term bid that would have ripped our constitution apart.
In 2010, the National Assembly, through the doctrine of
necessity, opened the door for then-Vice President Goodluck Jonathan to become
the acting President following the illness of his predecessor.
Even under the military, the National Assembly tried to
protect our democracy. After General Abacha took over power on November 17,
1993, and dissolved the National Assembly, some of us, led by Senator Ameh
Ebute, the Senate President in the 3rd Republic, defied the General and his
goons to reconvene in the Old Parliament Building in Lagos. We were jailed for
our defiance.
On behalf of a grateful nation, I commend your invaluable
role in lawmaking, oversight, and constituency representation. At this point, I
plead for your indulgence so that I may put a terrible rumour to bed.
To those who ring the alarm that the APC is intent on a
one-party state, I offer you a most personal promise. While your alarm may be
as a result of your panic, it rings in error. At no time in the past, nor any
instance in the present, and at no future juncture shall I view the notion of a
one-party state as good for Nigeria. I have never attempted to alter any
political party
registration with INEC. Equally, my friends, we cannot blame
anybody seeking to bail out of a sinking ship even without a life jacket.
Look at my political history. I would be the last person to
advocate such a scheme. In 2003, when the then-governing party tried to sweep
the nation clean of political opposition through plot and manipulation, I was
the last of the progressive governors standing in my region.
In all their numbers and false grandeur, they boasted of
ruling, not governing, Nigeria for the next half century or more. Where are
they now? Yet, I stood alone. My allies had been induced into defeat. My
adversaries held all the cards that mortal man could carry.
Even with all of that, they could not control our national destiny because fate
is written from above. A greater power did not want Nigeria to become a
one-party state back then.
Nigeria will not become such a state now.
The failed effort to create a one-party state placed
progressive political forces on a trajectory to form the APC. It put me on the
trajectory which has brought me before you today. I dare not do such a favour
to any political adversary by repeating the same mistake of political
overreach.
A one-party state is not in the offing. Nor should it ever
be. That said, we would be guilty of political malpractice if we closed the
door on those from other parties who now seek to join the APC and I sincerely
welcome our party’s newest members from Delta and Akwa Ibom States led by
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and Pastor Umo Eno and other members of this
National Assembly.
Political parties fearful of members leaving may be better
served by examining their internal processes and affairs rather than fearfully
conjuring
up demons that do not exist. For me, I would say try your
best to put your house in order. I will not help you do so. It is, indeed, a
pleasure to witness you in such disarray.
We must welcome and accept the diversity and number of
political parties just as we welcome and embrace the diversity of our
population. Our efforts must never be to eliminate political competition but to
make that competition salutary to the national well-being by working across the
political aisle whenever possible.
One area in which democracy calls us to work together,
whether in the legislative or executive branch, whether in this or other
political parties, is that of economic and social development.
Upon assuming office, my team and I moved to reform our
ailing economy. We introduced fundamental reforms to correct structural
imbalances that prevented maximum growth.
We are already seeing results. GDP grew by 3.4 per cent in
2024, with Q4 hitting 4.6 per cent, the highest quarter of growth in over a
decade.
Inflation is easing gradually, steadying the price of food
staples like rice and beans. Our net foreign reserves have increased fivefold,
and the Naira exchange rate has stabilised. Our balance of payments position is
positive; our sovereign credit rating is improving as we continue to promote
oil and non-oil exports. States now do not need to go about borrowing to pay
salaries.
In less than one year, over one hundred thousand Nigerians,
including thirty-five thousand civil servants, have benefited from affordable
consumer credit through the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP),
enabling them to purchase vehicles, light up and improve their homes and
purchase life essentials. This July, we will launch a bold new initiative to
empower four hundred thousand young Nigerians, including youth corpers, with
consumer credit.
We are committed to giving more opportunities to young
people through job creation and skills development. Through such programs as
NELFUND, we are investing in education, vocational training, apprenticeships,
and internships to ensure our youth are job-ready and future-ready.
In addition, we have embarked on an ambitious project to lay
fibre optic cables across the nation, a transformative step toward bridging the
digital divide and fostering greater connectivity. This initiative promises not
only to enhance the speed and reliability of internet access but also to
revolutionize how businesses operate, how students learn, and how communities
stay connected. By extending this critical infrastructure, we are empowering
entrepreneurs, enabling digital education, and providing the tools for our
youth to compete in a globalized world.
Our “Nigeria First” policy will further enhance progress as
we consolidate market-driven growth. The improved economic performance is
encouraging and validates the soundness of our policy measures. Our medium-term
growth target remains an economy growing at a 7 per cent clip with a stronger
manufacturing base. We must learn to produce and grow most of our food and we
are on the path to achieving food sovereignty.
These and other reforms have placed the economy on a more
rational footing where critical decisions regarding large-scale investment can
now be made.
I ask you, the legislature, to join me as we enter the
second half of our term to put forth innovative legislation that further
encourages industrial development and job creation in our urban centres while
also drafting laws that improve food security and production.
To further underpin our economic vision, we introduced a
comprehensive Tax Reform Package, a vital component of our economic re-
engineering. I am deeply grateful to both chambers for your thorough
consideration and deliberation of these bills, and I look forward to signing
them into law soon.
Again, your collaboration across party lines on these bills
has been a model of democratic partnership.
As elected leaders, we must continue to do more to make real
the dream of Nigeria’s political and economic democracy.
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.
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.
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.
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:
Presiding National Assembly Officers
Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, GCON – SENATE PRESIDENT
Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, GCON – Speaker
Senator Jibrin Ibrahim Barau, CFR – DEPUTY SENATE PRESIDENT
Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, CFR – Deputy Speaker
In conclusion, let us rededicate ourselves to the ideals of
June 12; freedom, transparent and accountable government, social justice,
active citizen participation, and a just society where no one is oppressed.
Happy Democracy Day, and may God continue to bless the
Federal Republic of Nigeria and protect our troops.
Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR
President, Commander-in-Chief of The Armed Forces,
Federal Republic of Nigeria
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