Democracy Day: Tinubu vows to ease subsidy removal pains, praises MKO Abiola

President Bola Tinubu, in his inaugural Democracy Day address on Monday, paid tribute to Chief MKO Abiola, the winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election.

He commended the late business tycoon, who tragically lost his life under suspicious circumstances after his election was annulled by the late Gen Sani Abacha, as a symbol of democracy.

Acknowledging the hardships faced by Nigerians following the removal of fuel subsidies, President Tinubu assured the nation that their sacrifices would be rewarded with significant investments in transportation infrastructure, education, regular power supply, healthcare, and other public utilities aimed at enhancing the quality of life.

While empathizing with the pain experienced by the citizens, the President emphasized the necessity of enduring temporary discomfort to save the country from dire circumstances. He stated, “I feel your pain. This is one decision we must bear to save our country from going under and take our resources away from the stranglehold of a few unpatriotic elements.” This statement was part of President Tinubu‘s first Democracy Day address to the Nigerian people.

In his inaugural speech on May 29, the President justified the removal of fuel subsidies due to their escalating costs and dwindling resources. The consequence of this decision was an increase in petrol pump prices from N195 to N537 nationwide, along with ancillary price hikes.

Addressing the aftermath of this move, President Tinubu affirmed that the decision aimed to free up much-needed resources previously pocketed by a privileged few. He acknowledged that the burden imposed on the masses was significant but reassured them that their sacrifices would not be in vain. The government would reciprocate their trust and belief through substantial investments in transportation infrastructure, education, regular power supply, healthcare, and other public utilities that would enhance their quality of life.

Regarding the rule of law, President Tinubu pledged not to condone conflicting and illegal orders that undermine Nigeria’s democracy. He described the recent bill he signed into law, harmonizing the retirement age for judicial officers, as one of many policy reforms to strengthen the rule of law, a critical pillar of democracy.

Reflecting on the February and March elections, President Tinubu emphasized that they demonstrated the vibrancy of Nigeria’s democratic journey. He regarded the ongoing legal contests of the election results as a testament to the beauty of democracy. He stated, “But the beauty of democracy is that those who win today can lose tomorrow, and those who lose today will have an opportunity to compete and win in the next round of elections.”

Recalling the struggles of 1993 that led to the civilian government in 1999, the President paid tribute to Chief MKO Abiola, Kudirat Abiola, Alfred Rewane, and Maj-Gen Shehu Yar’Adua, who were silenced by the military junta. He praised their sacrifice and martyrdom, stating, “They gave their yesterday for the liberty that is ours today.”

President Tinubu urged Nigerians not to take their hard-won liberty for granted, as it was acquired through great sacrifice. He emphasized the enduring importance of democratic ideals and principles that are greater than life itself. In closing, he called upon the nation to cherish and protect the democracy they now enjoy and to appreciate the value of the sacrifices made by those who fought for its realization.