By Muhyideen Jimoh
President Bola Tinubu says the heroes of the June 12 struggle secured Nigeria’s political freedom, describing the day as sacred in Nigeria’s history.
The resident, who stated this on Friday in his Democracy Day address to the nation, said that June 12 represents far more than an election and remains a defining chapter in the country’s democratic journey.
According to him, the day offers an opportunity to honour the sacrifices of pro-democracy activists and leaders who fought for the restoration of democratic rule.
“June 12 occupies a sacred place in our national memory. It represents more than an election; it is a defining chapter in our story.
“We remember Chief M.K.O. Abiola who won a pan-Nigerian mandate transcending ethnicity and religion. We remember Alhaja Kudirat Abiola,” he said.
Tinubu also paid tribute to other democracy advocates, including Chief Gani Fawehinmi, Chief Bola Ige, Chief Alfred Rewane, Pa Abraham Adesanya, Chief Anthony Enahoro, Alhaji Balarabe Musa, Commodore Dan Suleiman, Dr Beko Ransome-Kuti, Frank Kokori, Arthur Nwankwo, Chima Ubani and Shehu Musa Yar’Adua.
He said their sacrifices, alongside those of many other heroes and heroines of democracy, helped secure the freedoms Nigerians were enjoying today.
The president noted that as beneficiaries of their struggle, Nigerians have a collective responsibility to strengthen and deepen democratic institutions.
“As beneficiaries of their struggle, we have a duty to strengthen and deepen the democratic institutions for which they fought.
“The greatest tribute we can pay is to build a Nigeria where freedom is protected, justice is upheld, opportunity is expanded and government is accountable,” he said.
Tinubu said the June 12, 1993 presidential election demonstrated the possibility of a united Nigerian nation built on shared aspirations rather than ethnic or religious divisions.
“June 12, 1993 revealed the possibility of a true Nigerian nation.
“The heroes of June 12 secured political freedom. Our challenge is to secure economic freedom,” he said.
The president stressed that democracy must translate into tangible improvements in the lives of citizens through expanded opportunities, economic prosperity and social justice.
“Democracy must be felt in the quality of people’s lives, in opportunities for youths, in prosperous farmers, successful entrepreneurs and the dignity of our workers,” he said.
According to him, the nation’s current challenge is to achieve economic freedom for all citizens.
(NAN)
