Akume: We owe a debt of gratitude to those who died for Nigeria’s democracy

George Akume, secretary to the government of the federation (SGF), says Nigeria must never forget the heroes of the June 12 struggle who paid the ultimate price for democracy.

Akume spoke on Thursday during the public lecture held at the State House conference centre, Abuja, to commemorate Nigeria’s 26th Democracy Day.

He congratulated Nigerians on 26 years of uninterrupted civil rule, noting that many African countries have fallen into the hands of the military.

“At a period when many African countries are sliding back into military rule and dictatorship, Nigeria is powering forward in democratic rule,” the SGF said.

“Even though we have not attained the democratic heights envisioned, we are confident that our path is straight and will lead us to our desired destination.”

Akume said the progress Nigeria has made would not have been possible without the sacrifices of ordinary citizens who resisted military tyranny.

“Today’s celebration would not have been possible were it not for the commitment and determination of the ordinary Nigerian citizens who stood strong in the face of military oppression, brutality and rights denial,” he said.

“The June 12 struggle was a watershed as millions of our countrymen and women poured out on the streets from Lagos to Ilorin, Kaduna to Kano, Ibadan to Makurdi, Bauchi to Jos, Port Harcourt to Enugu.

“From the towns and villages, the cry to democracy and justice coalesced into a movement — the June 12 movement. That movement birthed Nigeria’s new democratic journey.”

He paid tribute to those who lost their lives, freedom, or resources in the fight for democracy.

“We are here today because many fought. Many died. Many were brutalised. Many disappeared. Many lost limbs. Many were imprisoned,” Akume said.

“Many gave up all their resources and many never recovered. To all of them we owe a debt of gratitude.”

‘DEMOCRACY WITHOUT DEVELOPMENT IS EMPTY’

Akume said the best way to honour those who sacrificed to entrench civil rule in the country is by safeguarding democracy and ensuring it delivers development.

“We can only immortalise them by ensuring that we guide and guard our democracy,” he said.

“That we work to bring development to Nigeria. Democracy without development is empty and is bound to fail.”

The SGF praised President Bola Tinubu for his leadership, describing him as a patriot and a “foot soldier of democracy”.

“Nigeria’s continuing journey of democracy is now firmly in the hands of someone, a leader who knows and is a foot soldier of democracy as well as a patriot to the core,” he said.

“As a key figure in Nigeria’s struggle for democracy, Bola Ahmed Tinubu indeed faced challenges and made sacrifices in his pursuit of democratic governance.

“His efforts contributed to the country’s transition to democracy and his commitment to democratic principles have been notable.”

‘REFORMS BEGINNING TO SHOW RESULTS’

He said Tinubu is repositioning Nigeria through critical reforms and infrastructure development, noting that the president has “embarked on an unprecedented journey to re-engineer Nigeria and put it on the right footing”.

“He is tackling challenges with respect to the economy and development of nationhood as well as building the needed infrastructure for rapid development. He has also instituted relevant reforms where needed,” Akume said.

The SGF said there are signs that Nigeria is on the right track.

“Strong indicators abound to show Nigeria is on the right track. In two years, the impact of these reforms is quite visible,” he said.

Akume urged Nigerians to recommit themselves to national development and the rule of law.

“On this democracy day celebration, I urge us all to re-dedicate ourselves to the ideals of nation-building and the rule of law,” he said.

“I urge us to continue to support Mr President as he leads Nigeria with purpose and determination.

“Nigeria, we hail thee. Our dear native land. Though tribe and tongue may differ in brotherhood we stand.

“Let these words urge us on to build a stronger and beneficial democracy. Happy Democracy Day.”