- Tinubu affirms importance of democracy to Nigeria
From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
President Muhammadu Buhari has declared that the nation’s progress rest on inclusivity, unity and not leaving any citizen behind.
He has charged the incoming President, Bola Tinubu, to ensure unity and inclusiveness of all Nigerians in his administration.
He gave the charge on Saturday in Abuja at the inauguration lecture ahead of Monday’s formal swearing-in of Tinubu and his running mate, Kashim Shettima.
President Buhari noted that the inauguration lecture took participants on a journey of introspection on the imperatives of democratic governance and nation-building and that the various challenges that confront the socio-political fabrics of Nigeria were highlighted.
“We have learnt that democracy is not just a system of governance. It is a way of life. True democracy is when the voices of people are heard. Our nation’s progress rest on inclusivity, unity and not leaving any citizen behind and ensuring every citizen enjoy the dividends of good governance.
“We must heed the lessons of this lecture and translate them into action. We must fight against corruption in all its form. We must remain united. Our diversity is our strength.
“We can overcome our differences and forge a common cause towards progress,” Buhari said.
While expressing confidence that Tinubu will lead the country with integrity, vision and deep commitment, President Buhari, said that the fight against corruption should be upheld as well as the principles of transparency and accountability.
According to him, “As I prepare to hand over the reins of governance to the president-elect on the 29th of May, I feel a renewed sense of hope, hinged on the capacity of my successor, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu to deliver on the assignment given to him by Nigerians.
“And at the same time, you are being reminded of the immense responsibilities entrusted open us as leaders and the tremendous potential that lies within our great nation. We must heed the lessons of this lecture and translate them into concrete actions.”
President Buhari, who exits office on Monday added, “We must continue to prioritize the welfare and well-being of our citizens, providing them with quality education, accessible health care, and sustainable livelihoods.
“We must fight against corruption in all its forms upholding the principles of transparency, accountability, and the rule of law. But above all, we must remain united. Our diversity is our strength and it is through dialogue, understanding and respect. We can overcome our differences and forge a common path towards progress.
“Let us foster an environment where every Nigerian has an equal opportunity to thrive regardless of their background, ethnicity, religion, or social status. As I conclude, I want to express my deep appreciation to the esteemed speakers, most especially our keynote speaker, His Excellency Uhuru Kenyatta, for once again, accepting my invitation to share his wealth of knowledge with us.
“To the president-elect, I offer my heartfelt congratulations and assurance, unwavering support. I trust that you will lead our nation with integrity, vision and deep commitment to the ideals of democracy and national development.
“Let’s remember that the true measure of our success lies not in the titles we hold or the position we occupy, it is the positive impact we make on the lives of our fellow citizens.
“Together, let us move forward, guided by the lessons learned from this lecture and build a Nigeria that is prosperous, inclusive and anchored on the principles of democracy.”
On his part, Tinubu, represented by the incoming Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima, stressed the importance of democracy as the cornerstone for the nation’s progress, prosperity and in advancing the nation’s interests.
He urged all Nigerians to stand together with the incoming administration for a better country.
“We stand at the precipice of a new era, where the ideals of democracy will guide our path towards sustainable development,” Tinubu said.
He noted the essence of democracy, emphasizing that it transcends being a mere form of government.
He said, “Democracy, my fellow countrymen, is not only a political system; it is a way of life. It embodies a distinctive code of thought and conduct, demanding the utmost integrity and self-improvement from leaders.”
He said that while democracy guarantees freedom, its survival hinges on responsible and measured use of that freedom and that democracy, as an ever-evolving concept, empowers the majority to express their will while safeguarding the fundamental interests of the minority.
“Our democracy is not an abstract ideal; it is a practical vessel that will propel our nation to new heights in every facet of our collective existence,” Tinubu said.
He also said that the merits of democracy even in its imperfect manifestations, surpass the most perfect dictatorship in terms of justice, humanity, and productivity.
“It is important to foster open forums for discussion and debate, where the best ideas and policies can enter the national discourse and capture the imagination of the people,” he said.
He also pledged to utilise democratic institutions not only to safeguard political and civil rights but also to drive comprehensive economic reforms that engender broad-based prosperity, create employment opportunities, and unlock the nation’s untapped potential.