…hails June 12 patriots, urges renewed national commitment
By Nkechi Eze
Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has hailed Nigeria’s 26 years of uninterrupted democratic rule, describing it as a significant national achievement, especially in a time when several African nations are experiencing a resurgence of military regimes and authoritarianism. Delivering his welcome address at the Public Lecture marking the 2025 Democracy Day celebration at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja, Akume congratulated all Nigerians for sustaining democracy through their resilience and collective will.
He emphasized that while Nigeria has not yet attained the democratic ideals envisioned by its founding patriots, it is clear the country is on the right path. According to the SGF, the progress being celebrated today is only possible because of the courage, endurance, and sacrifices of ordinary Nigerians who stood firm during the dark era of military rule. He reflected deeply on the events of June 12, 1993, recounting how millions of Nigerians from Lagos to Ilorin, Kaduna to Kano, Ibadan to Makurdi, Bauchi to Jos, Port Harcourt to Enugu took to the streets in a unified call for democracy, forming what became the historic June 12 movement.
Akume paid heartfelt tribute to those who died, were imprisoned, brutalized, or disappeared in the course of that struggle. Many, he said, gave up everything including their lives and resources so that the dream of a democratic Nigeria could be realized. The best way to honour their memory, he stated, is not only by celebrating annually but by safeguarding democracy and ensuring that it delivers real development for the people. He warned that democracy without development is an empty vessel and vulnerable to failure.
The SGF praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a true democrat and patriot who paid his dues during Nigeria’s pro-democracy struggle. He described Tinubu as a leader who, having been at the frontline of the fight for civil rule, is now embarking on an unprecedented journey to re-engineer Nigeria’s governance, economy, and national identity. According to him, President Tinubu has shown unwavering determination in confronting the nation’s challenges by instituting necessary reforms and investing in infrastructure needed for accelerated development.
Akume asserted that within just two years of the Tinubu administration, the impact of the reforms is already visible. He cited strong indicators pointing to the fact that Nigeria is finally on the right track, with structural changes and policy directions gradually yielding meaningful results. He encouraged Nigerians to be patient and continue supporting the administration’s efforts, assuring them that the benefits would soon be more widely felt.
The Democracy Day lecture, themed “Consolidating the Gains of Nigeria’s Democracy: Necessity of Enduring Reforms,” featured a keynote address by Professor Sam Egwu, who was expected to interrogate the central theme of democratic reforms and how they can be sustained. Akume expressed confidence that the address, followed by a panel discussion, would help participants better understand the complexities of governance reforms and the imperative of protecting democratic gains.
He called on all Nigerians to recommit to the ideals of nation-building and the rule of law and urged them to support President Tinubu as he leads the country with vision and purpose. He concluded his remarks with a stirring call for unity, quoting lines from the national anthem that underscore Nigeria’s diversity and common destiny. “Though tribe and tongue may differ, in brotherhood we stand. Let these words urge us on to build a stronger and beneficial democracy,” he said.
Akume also expressed profound appreciation to the members of the Federal Executive Council, acknowledging their resilience and valuable contributions to the successful implementation of the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He credited their dedication and tireless service for helping to drive national progress and achieve significant milestones in governance and development.
