Ongoing reforms will lead to a stronger economy, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu said this morning in his national broadcast to mark Democracy Day.
He reassured citizens that his administration’s policies would provide access to economic opportunities and fair compensation for all.
The President acknowledged the difficulties, saying reforms were necessary for a balanced, diversified economy.
According to him, long-term growth cannot be achieved without sacrifice.
He underscored his administration’s commitment to democracy and cooperation, citing the negotiation of a new national minimum wage with Labour without threats.
Nigeria’s fourth republic, which commenced in 1999 turned 25 on May 29, the country’s longest unbroken civil rule since independence in 1960.
Today marks the democracy day anniversary, having been declared by former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Also a public holiday, June 12 commemorate the 1993 presidential election won by business mogul Moshood Abiola, who was denied the fruit of his victory by the then military government of Gen. Ibrahim Babangida.
The election was annulled, democratic structures erased to eventually terminate the bourgeoning third republic.
Abiola, who declared himself president, in the heat of the struggle for his mandate, was arrested, put on trial for treason and before eventual dying in the custody of the military government.
The country never witnessed democracy until 1999.
President Tinubu said: “I understand the economic difficulties we face as a nation.
“Our economy has been in desperate need of reform for decades.
“It has been unbalanced because it was built on the flawed foundation of over-reliance on revenues from the exploitation of oil.
“The reforms we have initiated are intended to create a stronger, better foundation for future growth.
“There is no doubt the reforms have occasioned hardship.
“Yet, they are necessary repairs required to fix the economy over the long run so that everyone has access to economic opportunity, fair pay and compensation for his endeavour and labour.
“As we continue to reform the economy, I shall always listen to the people and never turn my back on you.
“In this spirit, we have negotiated in good faith and with open arms with Organised Labour on a new national minimum wage.
“We shall soon send an executive bill to the National Assembly to enshrine what has been agreed upon as part of our law for the next five years or less.”
The President noted that his administration abhors dictatorial tendencies.
He said: “In the face of labour’s call for a national strike, we did not seek to oppress or crack down on the workers as a dictatorial government would have done.
“We chose the path of cooperation over conflict. No one was arrested or threatened.
“Instead, the labour leadership was invited to break bread and negotiate toward a good-faith resolution.
“Reasoned discussion and principled compromise are hallmarks of democracy.
“These themes shall continue to animate my policies and interaction with the constituent parts of our political economy.
“I take on this vital task without fear or favour and I commit myself to this work until we have built a Nigeria where no man is oppressed.
“In the end, our national greatness will not be achieved by travelling the easy road. It can only be achieved by taking the right one.”
President was optimistic that better days would soon be here.
He said: “We dare not slumber lest the good things awaiting our immediate future pass us by.
“We dare not plant our feet in idle standstill in the middle of the intersection of hope and despair.
“We know the proper way forward and we shall take it!
“The initial rays of a brighter tomorrow now appear on the early horizon.
“An abundant future and our capacity to achieve that future lie within our reach.
“Democracy and the institutions it begets offer to take us to our profound destination. Let us board this progressive train together.
“Together, let us move Nigeria forward. Let’s continue to keep the fire of democracy burning. Let’s keep the torch lit for generations to come.”
The President, a key figure in the transition to democracy, vowed to do his utmost best to protect citizens’ rights, freedoms and liberties.
He pledged to cement democracy as Nigeria’s way of life, acknowledging that the country’s most important work remains ahead.
He paid tributes to heroes of democratic struggles, saying their sacrifice should not be in vain.
Many of the democratic heroes will have dinner with President tonight as part of the activities to mark democracy day.
This morning at the Eagle Square in Abuja, the President will inspect a full military parade in honour of democracy. Also slated for the day is a youth programme. (Nation)
