President Bola Tinubu has pledged that his administration will intensify efforts to relieve economic hardship while redoubling the fight against insecurity, reiterating that the Federal Government “shall never succumb to terror, banditry or any form of criminal intimidation”.
He gave the assurance yesterday at the National Inter-Denominational Church Service held at the National Christian Centre in Abuja, part of activities marking the 2026 Democracy Day celebration, themed: “God of hope, actualise our dreams.”
Tinubu, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, congratulated Nigerians on “27 uninterrupted years of democratic rule since 1999,” calling the milestone a testament to citizens’ resilience and the sacrifices of those who fought for democratic restoration.
In a statement signed by Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to the SGF, Yomi Odunuga, President Tinubu paid tribute to pro-democracy activists of the June 12 struggle, noting that many “endured persecution, injuries and even death in the quest to secure democratic governance for the country,” and urged Nigerians to honour those sacrifices by building a stronger nation.
Acknowledging widespread economic pain, the President said the government was aware of the strain facing households and promised intensified action to ease conditions. “Government is sensitive to all these pains, shares in these pains and has heard your cries,” he said, adding that he would “double his efforts” to ensure socio-economic difficulties are substantially reduced through the delivery of sustainable democratic dividends.
He also appealed to religious leaders, traditional rulers, civil society organisations, the media, and families to promote tolerance, peaceful coexistence, and responsible conduct ahead of the polls.
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to democratic governance, interfaith harmony, and constructive engagement with the international community, and praised the Armed Forces and security agencies for their sacrifices in defending the nation and sustaining democratic rule.
The Democracy Day service drew dignitaries from across government, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, Foreign Affairs Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and Head of the Civil Service of the Federation Didi Walson-Jack.