Tinubu: Nigeria must be governed by institutions stronger than individuals

President Bola Tinubu says his administration is strengthening institutions to safeguard the nation’s democracy.

Tinubu spoke through a representative on Monday in Abuja at the 28th anniversary of the death of the late Shehu Musa Yar’Adua.

The memorial, held at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, was themed ‘The Union We Hope to Become’.

Represented by George Akume, secretary to the government of the federation, Tinubu highlighted his administration’s reforms, including economic stabilisation, energy, food security, digital innovation, and youth empowerment.

The president said the reforms are designed to create a fairer and more prosperous nation anchored on strong institutions.

“Today, this administration is deliberately strengthening the institutions that safeguard our democracy, not just in our home, but also in our sub-region. We are overhauling sectors that should drive growth, investing in the creativity of our young people,” he said. 

“Supporting small and medium enterprises, transforming infrastructure, and deepening programmes that protect the vulnerable.

“Every aspect of the Renewed Hope Agenda is designed to build a nation, a union that is fairer, more secure, more prosperous, and governed by citizens’ trust.”

‘PATRIOT, STRATEGIC BUILDER’

Tinubu said Yar’Adua was not just a remarkable soldier but also a phenomenal political strategist.

He said the principles of integrity, accountability, and public service championed by the late Yar’Adua remain central to his government’s agenda.

“Major-general Shehu Musa Yar’Adua’s legacy reminds us that Nigeria must be governed by institutions stronger than individuals,” Tinubu said.

“These convictions shape our efforts today to uphold transparency, build trust between government and citizens, and strengthen democratic governance.”

Tinubu called on Nigerians to honour Yar’Adua not just through remembrance but by actively contributing to nation-building.

“Let us match his faith with our service. We must not only speak of hope, but we must build a nation worthy of it,” he said.

Yar’Adua was the chief of staff, supreme headquarters, during the military rule in 1976 and was the de facto second-in-command.

He died in prison in 1997 while serving a life sentence, over allegations of plotting a coup to overthrow the regime of Sani Abacha, who was the head of state.