Tinubu kept Abiola’s vision, built a Nigeria that works for the people

The Vice President Kasim Shettima has said the nation currently stands on the shoulders of unsung heroes and unheard voices, who sacrificed their comfort, freedom, and even their lives for the country’s democracy, giving a government that listens to all

Adding that there is no doubt that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has kept that covenant, extending a hand across political divides, ethnic frontiers, and generational gaps to build a Nigeria that works for everyone.

As contained in a statement released, Shettima made this observation when representing the President on Thursday during Public Lecture Commemorating Nigeria’s 26th Democracy Anniversary held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Describing the late MKO Abiola as a patriot who surrendered all he had for the soul of Nigeria, and whose sacrifice became the compass of the nation’s democracy, the VP said, “It is this faith in the promise of Abiola’s vision that has renewed the hope of this nation.

According to him, rather than dying in vain, the late Chief Abiola’s dream became a collective covenant, unbroken resolve for Nigerians “to stand for what is right, to defend the sanctity of choice, and to honour the blood that watered the roots of” the nation’s democracy.

“And in the great theatre of providence, history has returned the baton to one of Abiola’s most trusted lieutenants in the struggle for the soul of democracy in Nigeria: His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“The ticket once denied Nigerians—the Abiola-Kingibe ticket found resonance and vindication in a second coming that mirrors it in composition and conviction, in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a man who has kept the democratic flame alive through seasons of fire and storm”.

Maintaining that the life and times of the late MKO Abiola is “a reminder that the burden of democracy is not to be carried by one man alone,” the Vice President urged Nigerians to rise collectively and build a fortress around the nation’s democracy.

Canvassing unflinching support for Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Shettima said, “Each of us here owes a sacred duty to support the President’s quest not just to renew hope, but to institutionalise governance, to deepen the roots of democracy, and to build a nation immune to the threats of regression.”

Earlier, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, acknowledged the heroes of Nigeria’s struggle for democratic governance, applauding their legacies, continuous contributions for the sustenance of democratic structures, transformation of the nation’s economy.

He urged stakeholders to rededicate themselves to the ideals of democratic rule by supporting the Bola Tinubu administration in its task of guiding Nigeria on the path of prosperity, progress, peace and security.

In his keynote address, Prof. Samuel Egwu, who pointed out that the hallmark of democratic governance anywhere in the world is commitment, however said for the dividends of democracy to fully manifest across all levels of governance in Nigeria, all citizens and leaders must show commitment in words and action.
He added that building on the gains of 26 years of democracy in Nigeria is a herculean task that requires political office holders to put the interest of all citizens and society above personal goals and aspirations.

The longest serving diplomat and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps in Nigeria, the Cameroonian High Commissioner to Nigeria, HE Salaheddine Abbas Ibrahim, commended Nigeria’s unity regardless of the challenges.

The Cameroonian envoy urged leaders and all citizens not to relent in preserving democracy in the country.
In his remarks, Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum and Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma noted that the recognition, celebration of June 12 as Nigeria’s Democracy Day was not accidental, as he said the choice was made by the collective will, effort and sacrifice of a people.

He urged active participation of all stakeholders, including citizens, young and old across the country, stressing that democracy does not depend on ceremonies and niceties alone.

Uzodimma drew attention to President Tinubu’s trajectory, legacies and current efforts, saying they are all examples of the courage and determination required to nurture a vibrant democracy.

Meanwhile, the highpoint of the event was the unveiling of three books titled, “Tinubunomics”, “Leading With Courage”, and “Turning Challenges into Opportunities”, which all are examining the gains of the Tinubu administration.