. Honours come for Kudirat, Nwosu, Soyinka, 49 other pro-democracy activists on June 12
. Pardons Ogoni nine
. There can’t be democracy when Rivers remains under emergency -Sen. Dickson
James Adamu
President Bola Tinubu left the political community with mouths agape on Thursday when he said he remained a happy man so long as opposition political parties battled unending internal crises.
He spoke as he downplayed insinuations that his ultimate goal was to drive Nigeria to a one-party state, a development he admitted had caused needless panic in the country.
But, he clarified that this did not mean that it was his duty to rescue “sinking” opposition political parties, whose leaders must be responsible for their own weaknesses and failures.
Tinubu shared his thoughts as he addressed a joint session of the National Assembly in Abuja to commemorate Democracy Day, better known as June 12.
June 12, 1993, was the date Nigeria conducted a presidential election adjudged to be the fairest and freest in its democratic history. Won by the late Chief MKO Abiola, the results were eventually annulled by the military junta of General Ibrahim Babangida.
The day had been marked with programmes since then till 2018 when the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari officially proclaimed it Nigeria’s Democracy Day.
Addressing the session, which had many dignitaries, including former presiding officers of the National Assembly, ministers, party leaders, members of the diplomatic corps and key stakeholders in attendance, Tinubu allayed the fear that he was about to make Nigeria a one-party state.
He said, “To those who ring the alarm that the APC is intent on a one-party state, I offer you a most personal promise. While your alarm may be as a result of your panic, it rings in error.
“At no time in the past, nor any instance in the present, and at no future juncture shall I view the notion of a one-party state as good for Nigeria. I have never attempted to alter any political party registration with INEC. Equally, my friends, we cannot blame anybody seeking to bail out of a sinking ship even without a life jacket.
“Look at my political history. I would be the last person to advocate such
a scheme. In 2003, when the then-governing party tried to sweep the nation clean of political opposition through plot and manipulation, I was the last of
the progressive governors standing in my region.
“ In all their numbers and false grandeur, they boasted of ruling, not
governing Nigeria for the next half century or more. Where are they now?
“Yet, I stood alone. My allies had been induced into defeat. My
adversaries held all the cards that mortal man could carry. Even with all of that, they could not control our national destiny because fate is written from above. A greater power did not want Nigeria to become a one-party state
back then. Nigeria will not become such a state now.
“The failed effort to create a one-party state placed progressive political forces on a trajectory to form the APC. It put me on the trajectory which has brought me before you today. I dare not do such a favour to any political adversary by repeating the same mistake of political overreach.
“A one-party state is not in the offing. Nor should it ever be. That said,
we would be guilty of political malpractice if we closed the door on those from other parties who now seek to join the APC and I sincerely welcome our party’s newest members from Delta and Akwa Ibom States led by Governor
Sheriff Oborevwori and Pastor Umo Eno and other members of this National Assembly.”
The President offered his advice to the parties, saying that they owed themselves a duty to fix their internal cracks, or else he would continue to give him pleasure to see them in tatters.
Tinubu noted, “Political parties fearful of members leaving may be better served by examining their internal processes and affairs rather than fearfully conjuring up demons that do not exist.
“For me, I would say try your best to put your house in order. I will not help you do so. It is, indeed, a pleasure to witness you in such disarray.
“We must welcome and accept the diversity and number of political
parties just as we welcome and embrace the diversity of our population.
“Our efforts must never be to eliminate political competition but to make that competition salutary to the national well-being by working across the political aisle whenever possible.”
Tinubu commended the Legislature in its efforts to partner the executive to drive democracy and economic reforms, some of which were painful but necessary to stimulate growth, including measures such as the tax reform bills, the floating of the currency and the alteration of the subsidy regimes.
He spoke further, “One area in which democracy calls us to work together, whether in the legislative or executive branch, whether in this or other political parties, is
that of economic and social development.
“Upon assuming office, my team and I moved to reform our ailing
economy. We introduced fundamental reforms to correct structural imbalances that prevented maximum growth.
“We are already seeing results. GDP grew by 3.4 per cent in 2024, with
Q4 hitting 4.6 per cent, the highest quarter of growth in over a decade.
Inflation is easing gradually, steadying the price of food staples like rice and beans. Our net foreign reserves have increased fivefold, and the Naira exchange rate has stabilised. Our balance of payments position is positive; our sovereign credit rating is improving as we continue to promote oil and
non-oil exports. States now do not need to go about borrowing to pay
salaries.
“In less than one year, over one hundred thousand Nigerians, including thirty-five thousand civil servants, have benefited from affordable consumer credit through the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP), enabling them to purchase vehicles, light up and improve their homes and purchase life essentials. This July, we will launch a bold new initiative to empower four hundred thousand young Nigerians, including youth corpers, with consumer credit.
“We are committed to giving more opportunities to young people through job creation and skills development. Through such programs as NELFUND, we are investing in education, vocational training, apprenticeships, and internships to ensure our youth are job-ready and
future-ready.
“In addition, we have embarked on an ambitious project to lay fibre optic cables across the nation, a transformative step toward bridging the digital divide and fostering greater connectivity. This initiative promises not only to enhance the speed and reliability of internet access but also to revolutionize how businesses operate, how students learn, and how communities stay connected. By extending this critical infrastructure, we are empowering entrepreneurs, enabling digital education, and providing the tools for our youth to compete in a globalized world.”
For June 12, the President paid glowing tributes to many Nigerians dead and alive, who fought to set the country on the path to democratic rule, reeling our names after names.
At least 52 of them were honoured with national awards for their respective roles in the pro-democracy movement.
Among them were Mrs Kudirat Abiola, Professor Humphrey Nwosu, Professor Wole Soyinka, Femi Falana and several journalists.
Reeling out the names and the awards, Tinubu said, “ As we mark a twenty-sixth year of unbroken democracy, it is right to honour those who have made sacrifices in the past, braving all the odds and the guns to ensure we have a regime of democracy in our country.
“In this light, I announce the conferment of the posthumous national honour of CFR on Kudirat Abiola, the heroine of the June 12 struggle.
“I also confer posthumous national 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).
“I also confer national honours on Prof. Wole Soyinka (GCON), Prof. Olatunji Dare (CON), the journalist and journalism teacher; 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).”
Others who were honoured were Vanguard Newspaper Publisher, Mr Sam Amuka Pemu, for his ruggedness as a journalist, and the ‘Ogoni 9, who were granted full presidential pardon and honoured posthumously.
The President said, “Additionally, I confer the national honour of CON on Uncle Sam Amuka Pemu, a legendary journalist and publisher who remains true to his lifetime calling as he marks his 90th birthday tomorrow, June 13.
“Furthermore, I also confer posthumous national honours on Ken Saro Wiwa (CON), the leader of the Ogoni Nine 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 also be exercising my powers under the prerogative of mercy to grant these national heroes a full pardon, together with others whose names shall be announced later in conjunction with the National Council of State.”
But, as the celebration went on, former Bayelsa State Governor, Sen. Seriake Dickson, attacked the Tinubu administration for speaking about democracy but “failing to match his words with action.”
Dickson, who was pissed by the fact that Rivers State remainedunder emergency rule while the President marked democracy day.
Dickson expressed shock that on the same day that democracy day was being observed, Tinubu was solidifying the emergency rule in Rivers.
He cited letters sent to the Senate to approve appointments made for the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission and the Local Government Service Commission, among others, as an aberration.
Dickson, who said he would not join “bootlickers” to support the “illegality” in Rivers, argued that Tinubu missed a big opportunity on Thursday to restore democratic governance in the state.
He said, “You can’t be celebrating democracy on the one hand and on the other be flouting it in Rivers.
“Mr President should have seized today to restore democratic governance in Rivers State.
“Today is about upholding democratic rule in Nigeria and for the people of Rivers State. Creating an impression as if all is well, is double standard.
“No, as long as any part of Nigeria is under military rule, we can’t really say we are celebrating democracy.”
Discussion about this post