The Vice President Kashim Shettima has assured Nigerians that President Bola Tinubu will be working to build a Nigeria that will work for the people, adding that ” the President has kept the covenant with Nigerians”.
Shettima, who stated this last week during the Public Lecture Commemorating Nigeria’s 26th Democracy Anniversary held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, noted that history returned the baton in the struggle for the soul of democracy to President Tinubu, one of the most trusted lieutenants of late MKO Abiola.
This is just as the Vice President described 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 Vice President, who represented President Tinubu at the lecture, noted that while hope was one thing that they could not take or extinguish from the final account of Abiola’s life, it is the faith in the promise of Abiola’s vision that had renewed the nation’s hope in what he termed the great theatre of providence.
Read also: Tinubu salvaged Nigeria’s public finances collapse — Soludo
Shettima also stated that rather than dying in vain, Abiola’s dream became a collective covenant and 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.
“It is this faith in the promise of Abiola’s vision that has renewed the hope of this nation. 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, GCFR.
“The ticket once denied Nigerians—the Abiola-Kingibe ticket—has 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. I am honoured to share in the weight of this history and the depth of this memory”, he noted.
He stated that Nigeria currently stands on the shoulders of unsung heroes and unheard voices, who sacrificed their comfort, freedom, and even their lives for the nation’s democracy. Nigerians – including him – will ever remain grateful to be “stewards of a Government that listens to all.
“And there is no doubt that President Tinubu has kept that covenant, extending a hand across political divides, ethnic frontiers, and generational gaps to build a Nigeria that works for everyone,” he added.
Canvassing unflinching support for President 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.”
Read also: Is Nigeria safer under President Tinubu?
Earlier, George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, in his welcome remarks, acknowledged the heroes of Nigeria’s struggle for democratic governance, applauding their legacies, continuous contributions to the sustenance of democratic structures and transformation of the nation’s economy.
He urged stakeholders to rededicate themselves to the ideals of democratic rule by supporting the Tinubu Administration in its task of guiding Nigeria on the path of prosperity, progress, peace and security.
In his keynote address, Samuel Egwu pointed out that the hallmark of democratic governance anywhere in the world is commitment.
He, however, charged politicians to ensure that the dividends of democracy fully manifest across all levels of governance in Nigeria, for all citizens, while urging leaders to 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.
On his part, Salaheddine Abbas Ibrahim, the longest-serving Diplomat and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps in Nigeria, the Cameroonian High Commissioner to Nigeria, 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.
Read also: We will empower 400,000 Nigerians in July, says Tinubu
In his remarks, Hope Uzodimma, Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum and Imo State Governor, noted that the recognition and celebration of June 12 as Nigeria’s Democracy Day was not accidental, even 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.
The highlight of the event was the unveiling of three books titled “Tinubunomics”, “Leading With Courage”, and “Turning Challenges into Opportunities”, all examining the gains of the Tinubu administration.
