President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday, June 12, addressed a joint session of the Nationwide Meeting as a part of the 2025 Democracy Day celebrations.
Talking to lawmakers in Abuja, the President mirrored on Nigeria’s lengthy street to democracy, honouring the reminiscence of the June 12 heroes whose sacrifices, he stated, helped form the nation’s democratic path.
He described the day as a second of each celebration and reflection, urging Nigerians to stay dedicated to defending the hard-won freedoms the nation now enjoys.
Learn the complete speech beneath:
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
Protocol:
With profound honour, I stand earlier than this joint session of our Nationwide Meeting; a parliament that embodies the desire of the Nigerian folks.
2. Immediately, as I entered this grand edifice constructed from the sweat and toil of our democratic craving, my coronary heart stirred. It was a mix of accomplishment and resolve.
3. I felt a way of collective accomplishment after I realised how far we had come as a nation. Since 1999, democracy has risen from the ashes and destitution of navy rule to take its rightful place as the one mode of governance of our resilient and beloved folks.
4. With each footstep I took by means of these hallowed halls up-to-the-minute I now stand earlier than you, I remembered that we nonetheless have a lot additional to go.
5. To attain this progress, we sought an elective workplace to guide this nation ahead. Thus, I hereby affirm earlier than our Merciful and Almighty God and all males my resolve to do all that I can to safeguard and construct our democracy because the Divine hand intends for us to do.
6. Since 2018, we have now celebrated Democracy Day on this present day; to commemorate the sacrifices of the women and men who fought to revive democratic governance to Nigeria.
7. Let me pay tribute to former President Muhammadu Buhari for reaching again into historical past to rectify a nationwide misdeed by making June 12 Democracy Day and by formally acknowledging Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola and his working mate, Babagana Kingibe, because the victors and thus duly elected President and Vice President respectively of Nigeria after the June 12, 1993 elections.
8. 12 months by 12 months, election after election, each time we debate as an alternative of battle, talk about as an alternative of combat, and argue as an alternative of destroy, we protect the establishments of democracy. Extra importantly, we weave the tradition of democracy into the very material of our nation.
9. While Chief MKO Abiola is June 12’s central determine, we should not overlook the lengthy listing of those that equally should be known as heroes of Nigerian democracy.
10. We should have fun the braveness of Alhaja Kudirat Abiola and Pa Alfred Rewane, each of whom had been murdered by brokers of navy repression. We additionally bear in mind the various civil rights activists, journalists, and politicians imprisoned, exiled, tossed apart, tortured and crushed by the navy regime.
11. We bear in mind 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 point out these names to not exclude or degrade the profound contributions of anybody else, however as an example, by means of these few heroes, the universality of our pursuit of democracy.
12. The battle was by no means the province of anyone group or part of the nation, it was pan-Nigerian in its conception and might be much more pan-Nigerian as we try to excellent it.
13. It’s becoming that I come to this chamber. You’re the authors of the folks’s regulation, and I should be their trustworthy implementer. Whereas we could not all the time agree, we should forge a strategy to work collectively as a result of that is what democracy calls for of us. I pledge myself to this cooperation and ask that you simply do the identical for the nice of our folks.
14. Mr. Chairman, the Nationwide Meeting has acted to uphold democratic beliefs at each vital second in our nationwide historical past. In 2006, the fifth Nationwide Meeting protected our democracy towards an unseemly third-term bid that will have ripped our structure aside. In 2010, the Nationwide Meeting, by means of the doctrine of necessity, opened the door for then-Vice President Goodluck Jonathan to turn out to be the performing President following the sickness of his predecessor.
15. Even below the navy, the Nationwide Meeting tried to guard our democracy. After Basic Abacha took over energy on November 17, 1993, and dissolved the Nationwide Meeting, a few of us, led by Senator Ameh Ebute, the Senate President within the third Republic, defied the Basic and his goons to reconvene within the Previous Parliament Constructing in Lagos. We had been jailed for our defiance.
16. On behalf of a grateful nation, I commend your invaluable position in lawmaking, oversight, and constituency illustration.
17. At this level, I plead in your indulgence in order that I’ll put a horrible hearsay to mattress.
18. To those that ring the alarm that the APC is intent on a one-party state, I give you a most private promise. Whereas your alarm could also be on account of your panic, it rings in error. At no time prior to now, nor any occasion within the current, and at no future juncture shall I view the notion of a one-party state nearly as good for Nigeria. I’ve by no means tried to change any political celebration registration with INEC. Equally, my mates, we can not blame anyone searching for to bail out of a sinking ship even with out a life jacket.
19. Take a look at my political historical past. I might be the final particular person to advocate such a scheme. In 2003, when the then-governing celebration tried to comb the nation clear of political opposition by means of plot and manipulation, I used to be the final of the progressive governors standing in my area.
20. In all their numbers and false grandeur, they boasted of ruling, not governing, Nigeria for the following half century or extra. The place are they now?
21. But, I stood alone. My allies had been induced into defeat. My adversaries held all of the playing cards that mortal man might carry. Even with all of that, they may not management our nationwide future as a result of destiny is written from above. A higher energy didn’t need Nigeria to turn out to be a one-party state again then. Nigeria is not going to turn out to be such a state now.
22. The failed effort to create a one-party state positioned progressive political forces on a trajectory to type the APC. It put me on the trajectory which has introduced me earlier than you right now. I dare not do such a favour to any political adversary by repeating the identical mistake of political overreach.
23. A one-party state isn’t within the offing. Nor ought to it ever be. That stated, we might be responsible of political malpractice if we closed the door on these from different events who now search to hitch the APC and I sincerely welcome our celebration’s latest members from Delta and Akwa Ibom States led by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and Pastor Umo Eno and different members of this Nationwide Meeting.
24. Political events petrified of members leaving could also be higher served by analyzing their inner processes and affairs reasonably than fearfully conjuring up demons that don’t exist. For me, I might say attempt your finest to place your own home so as. I cannot allow you to achieve this. It’s, certainly, a pleasure to witness you in such disarray.
25. We should welcome and settle for the variety and variety of political events simply as we welcome and embrace the variety of our inhabitants. Our efforts mustn’t ever be to get rid of political competitors however to make that competitors salutary to the nationwide well-being by working throughout the political aisle at any time when attainable.
26. One space by which democracy calls us to work collectively, whether or not within the legislative or government department, whether or not on this or different political events, is that of {economic} and social growth.
27. Upon assuming workplace, my group and I moved to reform our ailing economic system. We launched elementary reforms to appropriate structural imbalances that prevented most development.
READ ALSO: June 12: Nigerians Ravenous, Unsafe Beneath Tinubu’s Watch — Peter Obi
28. We’re already seeing outcomes. GDP grew by 3.4 per cent in 2024, with This fall hitting 4.6 per cent, the very best quarter of development in over a decade. Inflation is easing steadily, steadying the worth of meals staples like rice and beans. Our web international reserves have elevated fivefold, and the Naira trade charge has stabilised. Our stability of funds place is constructive; our sovereign credit standing is bettering as we proceed to advertise oil and non-oil exports. States now don’t have to go about borrowing to pay salaries.
29. In lower than one 12 months, over 100 thousand Nigerians, together with thirty-five thousand civil servants, have benefited from inexpensive shopper credit score by means of the Nigerian Client Credit score Company (CREDICORP), enabling them to buy automobiles, gentle up and enhance their properties and buy life necessities. This July, we are going to launch a daring new initiative to empower 4 hundred thousand younger Nigerians, together with youth corpers, with shopper credit score.
30. We’re dedicated to giving extra alternatives to younger folks by means of job creation and abilities growth. By means of such packages as NELFUND, we’re investing in training, vocational coaching, apprenticeships, and internships to make sure our youth are job-ready and future-ready.
31. As well as, we have now launched into an formidable challenge to put fibre optic cables throughout the nation, a transformative step towards bridging the digital divide and fostering higher connectivity. This initiative guarantees not solely to boost the velocity and reliability of web entry but in addition to revolutionize how companies function, how college students be taught, and the way communities keep linked. By extending this vital infrastructure, we’re empowering entrepreneurs, enabling digital training, and offering the instruments for our youth to compete in a globalized world.
32. Our “Nigeria First” coverage will additional improve progress as we consolidate market-driven development. The improved {economic} efficiency is encouraging and validates the soundness of our coverage measures. Our medium-term development goal stays an economic system rising at a 7 per cent clip with a stronger manufacturing base. We should be taught to provide and develop most of our meals and we’re on the trail to reaching meals sovereignty
33. These and different reforms have positioned the economic system on a extra rational footing the place vital selections relating to large-scale funding can now be made.
34. I ask you, the legislature, to hitch me as we enter the second half of our time period to place forth revolutionary laws that additional encourages industrial growth and job creation in our city centres whereas additionally drafting legal guidelines that enhance meals safety and manufacturing.
35. To additional underpin our {economic} imaginative and prescient, we launched a complete Tax Reform Bundle, a significant element of our {economic} re- engineering. I’m deeply grateful to each chambers in your thorough consideration and deliberation of those payments, and I stay up for signing them into regulation quickly.
36. Once more, your collaboration throughout celebration strains on these payments has been a mannequin of democratic partnership.
37. As elected leaders, we should proceed to do extra to make actual the dream of Nigeria’s political and {economic} democracy.
38. We should be vigilant in increasing the political house. We should all the time worth dialogue over dictatorship, persuasion over suppression and rights over would possibly. Be tolerant and broad-minded in your legislative motion relating to speech and civil liberties.
39. Don’t be afraid to listen to an unkind phrase spoken towards you. Among the finest recommendation a politician will get generally comes from his most ferocious opponents. We dare not search silence as a result of the imposed silence of repressed voices breeds chaos and sick will, not the harmonics of democracy in the long run.
40. Whereas malicious slander and libel mustn’t go unattended, nobody ought to bear the brunt of injustice for merely writing a foul report about me or calling me names. Democracy requires a good diploma of tolerance for harsh phrases and stinging insults. Name me names, name me no matter you’ll, and I’ll nonetheless name upon democracy to defend your proper to take action. Mr. Senate President, Mr. Speaker, Distinguished Senators and Honourable Members.
41. Our nation isn’t excellent, however it’s sturdy. Our democracy isn’t invincible, however it’s alive. And this implies our dream of a affluent, pleased nation continues to be inside attain and price preventing for.
42. Mr. Chairman, Nigeria is at an inflexion level, present process structural and elementary change towards a safe future.
43. Our administration is totally dedicated to boosting the economic system’s productive base. By means of funding in vital infrastructure, roads, growth of port operations, rail, and energy we’re creating a brand new setting by which trade and manufacturing can thrive. Our tax and financial coverage reforms will streamline tax administration and get rid of burdensome and a number of taxes enabling our industrialists and entrepreneurs to function in a extra conducive setting.
44. Governance should work and ship worth to the folks. As a part of our tax reforms, we have now supplied small companies with an exemption and established the Workplace of the Tax Ombudsman to make sure transparency and shield taxpayer rights. Digital instruments now assist us observe efficiency and scale back waste. The Diaspora Bond and Non-Resident BVN are bringing Nigerians overseas into the nationwide growth fold.
45. According to my promise throughout my New 12 months tackle to the nation, I not too long ago appointed the board of administrators of the newly established Nationwide Credit score Assure Firm. The corporate, backed with 100 billion naira in preliminary capital; with BOI, which, by the way in which, is performing very nicely in supporting SMEs, NSIA, CreditCorp, and MOFI as stakeholders, will play a major position in remodeling the nation’s industrial panorama and lowering
corruption.
46. Nationwide Safety is the muse of peace and progress. Now we have intensified safety operations to reclaim communities from criminals and terrorists. We’re higher at coordinating intelligence, and inter-agency cooperation has improved. Our highways are safer, and we put money into expertise and coaching to safe each inch of this nation.
47. Allow us to take this chance to thank the women and men of our Armed Forces for his or her bravery in service of the nation. Their selfless dedication to defending our sovereignty and guaranteeing the protection of residents ought to function an inspiration to us all. As we have fun the progress of our democracy, we should not overlook the pivotal position they play in safeguarding our freedoms. For his or her braveness and dedication, they deserve not solely our gratitude but in addition our continued help, prayers and recognition.
48. Fellow compatriots, our achievements usually are not the work of 1 man. They’re the results of a collective effort to make attainable the Nigerian Dream. But, the journey isn’t over. We should work even more durable to translate broad macroeconomic good points into tangible enhancements within the lives of strange Nigerians. We should keep the course, reject cynicism, and imagine Nigeria can and can rise once more.
49. As we mark a twenty-sixth 12 months of unbroken democracy, it’s proper to honour those that have made sacrifices prior to now, braving all the percentages and the weapons to make sure we have now a regime of democracy in our nation.
50. On this gentle, I announce the conferment of the posthumous nationwide honour of CFR on Kudirat Abiola, the heroine of the June 12 battle.
51. I additionally confer posthumous nationwide 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).
52. I additionally confer nationwide honours on Prof. Wole Soyinka (GCON), Prof. Olatunji Dare (CON), the journalist and journalism instructor; 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).
53. Moreover, I confer the nationwide honour of CON on Uncle Sam Amuka Pemu, a legendary journalist and writer who stays true to his lifetime calling as he marks his ninetieth birthday tomorrow, June 13.
54. Moreover, I additionally confer posthumous nationwide honours on Ken Saro Wiwa (CON), the chief of the Ogoni 9 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 even be exercising my powers below the prerogative of mercy to grant these nationwide heroes a full pardon, along with others whose names shall be introduced later along side the Nationwide Council of State.
55. Lastly, it’s my nice privilege to now adorn the presiding officers of the Nationwide Meeting with the Nationwide Honours earlier conferred upon them final 12 months:
Presiding Nationwide Meeting 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
56. In conclusion, allow us to rededicate ourselves to the beliefs of June 12; freedom, clear and accountable authorities, social justice, lively citizen participation, and a simply society the place nobody is oppressed.
57. Pleased Democracy Day, and will God proceed to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria and shield our troops.
Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR
President, Commander-in-Chief of The Armed Forces,
Federal Republic of Nigeria
