Nigerian President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has assured that all economic reforms introduced by his administration aim to bolster the nation’s economy, ultimately expanding access to economic opportunities and ensuring equitable pay and remuneration for all citizens.
President Tinubu gave the assurance in a live broadcast on Wednesday morning to commemorate Nigeria’s 25th Democracy Day Anniversary.
Acknowledging the country’s economic challenges and the critical need for reforms, the Nigerian Leader said that the nation’s economy had been in desperate need of reforms for decades, hence the necessity to create balance, following the nation’s over-reliance on revenues from oil exploitation.
“I understand the economic difficulties we face as a nation our economy has been in desperate need of reform for decades. It has been unbalanced because it was built on the flawed foundation of over-reliance on revenues from the exploitation of oil.
“The reforms we have initiated are intended to create a stronger, better foundation for future growth. There is no doubt the reforms have occasioned hardship. Yet, they are necessary repairs required to fix the economy over the long run so that everyone has access to economic opportunity, fair pay and compensation for his endeavour and labour,” President Tinubu added.
Highlighting his administration’s commitment to democracy the President reaffirmed his resolve to protect and preserve the country’s democratic system.
“Even more than that, I pledge to do whatever is necessary to cement democracy as our way of life.”
The Nigerian Leader vowed to do his utmost best to protect citizens’ rights, freedoms, and liberties, he admitted the challenges facing the nation but emphasized that democracy is the best form of governance, he cautioned that some individuals may attempt to exploit current difficulties to undermine democracy.
“As Nigerians, we must remind ourselves that no matter how complicated democracy may be, it is the best form of governance in the long run. We must also be aware that there are those among us who will try to exploit current challenges to undermine, if not destroy, this democracy for which so much has already been given”.
The President urged Nigerians to remain vigilant.
Nigeria’s Democracy
The President characterised Nigeria’s Democracy Day, June 12, as the pivotal moment in the nation’s democratic history and the primary rationale behind Nigeria’s annual commemoration of Democracy Day.
“Our Democracy is more than a historic fact. It is a living, breathing reality.”
President Tinubu implored Nigerians to rededicate themselves to the fulfilment of the values of democratic governance and the realisation of the nation’s economic democracy.
“I say to you here and now that as we celebrate the enshrinement of our political democracy, let us commit ourselves to the fulfilment of its equally important counterpart, the realisation of our economic democracy.”
The President encouraged Nigerians to support the government in its progressive drives to move the nation forward urging citizens to keep the fire of democracy burning in Nigeria.
“We dare not slumber lest the good things awaiting our immediate future pass us by. We dare not plant our feet in an idle standstill in the middle of the intersection of hope and despair. We know the proper way forward and we shall take it!
“The initial rays of a brighter tomorrow now appear on the early horizon. An abundant future and our capacity to achieve that future lie within our reach. Democracy and the institutions it begets offer to take us to our profound destination.
“Let us board this progressive train together. Together, let us move Nigeria forward, Let’s continue to keep the fire of democracy burning. Let’s keep the torch lit for generations to come,” he added.
Meanwhile, President Tinubu acknowledged that the country’s most important work remains ahead.
