President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s determination to tackle insecurity and ease the economic burden on citizens, declaring that Nigeria will not yield to terrorists, bandits or other criminal elements.
The President’s message was delivered on Sunday by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, at the National Inter-Denominational Church Service held at the National Christian Centre, Abuja, as part of events commemorating the 2026 Democracy Day celebrations.
According to a statement issued by the SGF’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yomi Odunuga, the service drew several senior government officials, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu, Minister of Foreign Affairs Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu and Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Walson-Jack.
In the address, Tinubu congratulated Nigerians on sustaining democratic governance for 27 consecutive years since 1999. He described the achievement as a reflection of the sacrifices, resilience and commitment of citizens who fought for the return of democratic rule.
He also honoured the memory of activists involved in the June 12 struggle, noting that many paid a heavy price through persecution, injury and loss of life in pursuit of democracy.
Turning to current national challenges, he acknowledged the economic difficulties, security threats, kidnappings and displacement affecting many communities across the country.
“Government is sensitive to all these pains, shares in these pains and has heard your cries,” he said.
Tinubu said he remained committed to addressing the nation’s challenges with compassion and responsibility, while intensifying efforts to improve the welfare of citizens.
Speaking on security, he described recent attacks and abductions as evidence that significant work still lies ahead. However, he assured Nigerians that the government remained focused on securing the release of those held captive and strengthening the capacity of security agencies.
He said the administration would continue providing the resources needed to safeguard lives and property, secure communities and defend the country’s territorial integrity.
“The government of Nigeria shall never succumb to terror, banditry or any form of criminal intimidation,” he declared.
As political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections begin to gather pace, he urged citizens to reject violence, divisive rhetoric and campaigns rooted in hatred.
He warned against turning democratic competition into conflict and appealed particularly to young people to resist involvement in political thuggery, disinformation campaigns, ethnic hostility and religious intolerance.
“Do not rent out your conscience for money, drugs, political patronage or online applause. Your future is worth more than any politician’s temporary convenience,” he said.
The President also called on religious leaders, traditional institutions, civil society groups, the media and families to promote unity, tolerance and peaceful coexistence during the election season.
He further commended members of the armed forces and other security agencies for their continued sacrifices in protecting the nation and sustaining democratic governance.
