President Bola Tinubu, on Monday, led other dignitaries to commemorate his first Democracy Day celebration, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, as President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The President had earlier made a nationwide broadcast in which he urged Nigerians to bear with him over the subsidy removal, adding that he will deploy funds saved to build social infrastructure
The President inspected Guards of honour, as the Brigade of Guard and Cultural Group, put up colourful displays , representing the various geopolitical zones of the country as the President and other dignitaries watched with rapt attention.
The event was witnessed by Vice President Kashim Shettima, who arrived the Forecourt a few minutes to 10am; President of the Senate, Ahmed Lawan; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila; and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) George Akume.
Others present at the Forecourt are Lagos State governor, Jide Sanwo-Olu; former Zamfara State governor, Bello Matawalle; National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Adamu; and the party’s National Secretary, Iyiola Omisore.
Others include the Chief of Defense Staff, Lucky Irabor, who led the service chiefs; Inspector-General of Police; other senior security chiefs and other senior government officials.
As part of plans to ensure victory for the All Progressive Congress(APC) backed leadership of the National Assembly, President Bola Tinubu has set up a technical committee headed by the Chairman of the Progressives Governors Forum (PGF) and governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma, with the mandate to ensure that Godswill Akpabio is returned as president.
Uzodinma confirmed this in a chat with correspondents after a meeting with Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja on Monday.
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He also assured that over 90 percent of the senators-elect are supporting the former Akwa Ibom State governor who he said would emerged victorious at the upper chamber leaders contest.
Speaking to journalists at the Forecourt after the ceremonies, the Imo State governor, said “ Democracy itself is a learning process for we the third world countries, so we’ll continue to learn like in other climes, that the spirit of sportsman must be deployed, that it’s either you win or you lose. When you win, you’ll celebrate, when you lose, you’ll wait for another time. So we’ll continue to advice and encourage practitioners in politics to eschew violence and take to this path of honour”,
Sharing his thoughts on the Nigerian democracy, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, said June 12 was a deliberate attempt to enthroned the sanctity of democracy and due process as far as elections are concerned.
According to him, the day represents “fundamental human rights, the right of people to vote freely and choose their own leaders. The abandonment of this principle will lead to unpleasant consequences by way of demonstrations, when that annulment was made.
“It was long ago, but we give glory to God that today, we are celebrating this very important landmark in the history of our country. Remember, it was 2019 that President Muhammadu Buhari declared June 12 as work free day and by that tradition the present government is continuing to walk in the steps of the last administration.
“And President Tinubu is regarded as one of the most critical persons in the struggle for the attainment of that mandate. And that is why we’re very happy that today he is here as the president”, he said.
Godswill Akpabio described June 12 as a milestone for the country, saying that the nation was already making progress as far as freedom is concerned.
He also said that Nigerians should see it as a period for sober reflection, especially “when you look at the events that happened 30 years ago, the late MKO Abiola—may his soul rest in peace. And then we are celebrating this day, you know to commemorate that event, it is very humbling. And for us to be alive to see this happening and for almost seven times of change of baton in democracy; it shows clearly that Nigeria is moving forward in freedom. And I believe under President Bola Tinubu also in prosperity.
On whether Nigerians can cash in on the gains of the day, he said “definitely, because, of course, you have seen the last election. That was the first cashless election in Nigeria and in spite of that, Nigerians still trooped out to bring out leaders of their choices. So, we are very excited and we know that there is hope for the future.
“We will cash in by ensuring that there is peace and then ensuring that we work towards a secured nation where everybody can sleep with their eyes closed and, of course, bring back prosperity. We will produce what we consume and consume what we produce.
“We are already certain and we believe that the internal refineries are now going to kick in with the abrogation of subsidy which was a terrible cankerworm. I don’t know the statistics, but someone is telling me that over 69 million barrels (probably litres) a day were being consumed before the subsidy was removed, but now it has reduced to 15. Then the neighbouring countries are rioting because we were almost subsidizing for almost all our neighbours in West Africa.
“We were depleting our resources and we were getting poorer while they were enjoying their lives. So, today, Nigerians have hope—a renewed hope—that yes, indeed, that the resources we are going to save from the policies being taken already by this administration would be used by humanity and used to enhance the living standard of Nigerians. So, we are cashing in on this day of democracy”, he said.
Also fielding questions from newsmen after the ceremonies, Babagana Kingibe affirmed that June 12 will always bring back vivid memories of the whole process and sadness that ensued at the end of the process with the annulment.
“I believe in looking forward and the President in his Democracy Day address has set out the markers as to where we are coming from. He has set up beacons as to the direction we should take to make our country great, to strengthen democracy and to defend democracy at all times.
“And I believe that his speech was really inspiring and I think all right thinking men and women of this country should very carefully go through and be inspired by it and be guided by it. It is a great thing.
On his thoughts whether the country has done enough to recognize what MKO Abiola truly stands for, the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation urged Nigerians to be inspired by his courage, adding “Abiola is no more. We can’t bring him back. And whatever we do, will never bring him back to life. But we should never forget.
“We should be inspired by his courage. We should be inspired by his steadfast commitment, and we should be inspired by his willingness to sacrifice his life, which he has, and for which I think the country will forever be grateful.
