ABUJA — President Bola Tinubu used Nigeria’s Democracy Day address on Thursday to deliver his toughest message yet on insecurity. He vowed that his administration would show no mercy to those who fund terrorism and kidnapping operations across the country.
Speaking to Nigerians on June 12, the day the country marks the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, Tinubu said security remained his top priority. He revealed that Nigerian forces had neutralised over 13,000 terrorists since the start of his administration.
A Day of Protests
Even as the president spoke, civil society groups and youth organisations staged protests in Lagos. Demonstrators carried placards calling on the government to do more to rescue abducted school children, particularly the 46 pupils and teachers still held captive from Oriire, Oyo State.
The protesters also raised concerns about economic hardship and the rising cost of living. Their gathering on Democracy Day was deliberate, according to organisers. “We are using this day to remind those in power why democracy exists,” said one protest leader.
Tinubu on Governance
Beyond security, Tinubu touched on economic reforms, infrastructure spending, and the push for state police legislation. He said the collapse of grassroots governance was contributing to insecurity and called for stronger local government administration.
“Without effective local government, we cannot build the foundation for real security or real development,” he said.
National Mood
Analysts note the contrast between government optimism and public anxiety. While security statistics from the military suggest improvements, Nigerians living through kidnappings and economic pressure often experience a different reality on the ground.
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