Discordant voices trail June 12 democracy day celebration
June 12, 2025 democracy day celebration to commemorate 32nd democracy day anniversary of Nigeria is a mix bag containing discordant dispositions of Nigerians about the practice of democracy in the country.
And while the anniversary speech of President Bola Tinubu tracked today and those of governors and politicians are in harmony that democracy is thriving in the country since the fourth republic, other Nigerians especially in the private sector, thumb down the advancement of democracy till date.
“Upon assuming office, my team and I moved to reform our ailing economy. We introduced fundamental reforms to correct structural imbalances that prevented maximum growth.
“We are already seeing results. GDP grew by 3.4 per cent in 2024, with Q4 hitting 4.6 per cent, the highest quarter of growth in over a decade. Inflation is easing gradually, steadying the price of food staples like rice and beans. Our net foreign reserves have increased fivefold, and the Naira exchange rate has stabilised. Our balance of payments position is positive; our sovereign credit rating is improving as we continue to promote oil and non-oil exports. States now do not need to go about borrowing to pay salaries.
“In less than one year, over one hundred thousand Nigerians, including thirty-five thousand civil servants, have benefited from affordable consumer credit through the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP), enabling them to purchase vehicles, light up and improve their homes and purchase life essentials. This July, we will launch a bold new initiative to empower four hundred thousand young Nigerians, including youth corpers, with consumer credit.
“We are committed to giving more opportunities to young people through job creation and skills development. Through such programs as NELFUND, we are investing in education, vocational training, apprenticeships, and internships to ensure our youth are job-ready and
future-ready”, excerpt from Tinubu speech.
But in contrast, Deji Adeyanju, human rights activist and lawyer, has delivered a scathing critique of the Bola Tinubu administration, describing Nigeria’s democracy as a system that continues to serve the interests of the powerful rather than the ordinary Nigerians.
In a press statement released to mark the June 12 celebration, Adeyanju said the country’s democratic journey remained deeply flawed and largely symbolic for the average Nigerian, as poverty deepens and governance fails to meet public expectations.
“As Nigeria marks another Democracy Day, we are reminded once again that democracy in this country serves the powerful, not the people.”
He pointed to the removal of fuel subsidy as one of the most “consequential and regrettable” decisions of the current administration, “Perhaps the most consequential and regrettable decision of the current administration has been the abrupt removal of the fuel subsidy.”
He added that while subsidy removal was sold to the public as a bold economic policy aimed at redirecting national resources, its implementation has only deepened inequality, accelerated inflation, and intensified poverty.
“What was promised as a path to national rebirth has instead become a gateway to unchecked looting at the subnational level,” he said.
“Our democracy, instead of empowering citizens, has become a tool for entrenching elite control,” he declared.
As Nigerians reflect on 26 years of uninterrupted democratic rule, Adeyanju posed a critical question, “Who truly benefits from this democracy?” He urged citizens and leaders alike to reimagine a system rooted in service, transparency, and accountability.
“Until leadership is redefined by service, transparency, and genuine commitment to national development, Nigeria’s democracy will remain a celebration for the few, while the majority continue to suffer in silence,” the lawyer added.
Suspended Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has urged Nigerians to uphold the principles of justice, equity, inclusion, and national unity, stressing that democracy must offer more than electoral rituals.
In a statement released on Thursday, the female Senator paid tribute to the legacy of late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Abiola and other pro-democracy heroes, describing June 12 as “a symbol of our collective struggle for democratic governance.”
“It is a tribute to the courage of Chief M.K.O. Abiola and the countless Nigerians—known and unknown—who stood firm to defend the sanctity of the people’s will,” Senator Uduaghan stated.
While acknowledging Nigeria’s progress since the return to democratic rule, she emphasized that “Democracy must bring real development, empower the weak, uphold the rule of law, and protect the dignity of every Nigerian.”
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan also called on citizens, especially women and young people, to become more active in shaping the nation’s future. “I urge all Nigerians to remain engaged. Our participation and vigilance are vital in building a Nigeria that serves every citizen, regardless of tribe, religion, gender, or class,” she added.
“Let us not lose hope in our nation,” she said. “Let us build bridges across divides and work toward a future where democracy becomes a lived reality for all.”
Suspended Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara has said that the political turbulence that disrupted democracy in Rivers is a demonstration that the system of government is still delicate and requires protection.
Fubara in his Democracy Day message restated his strong commitment to upholding the rule of law, protecting fundamental human rights, and ensuring that all citizens, regardless of political affiliation, can actively participate in the democratic process.
Fubara in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi stressed that democracy must be actively protected and nurtured in order to remain strong and meaningful.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s 26 years of continuous democratic rule, the suspended governor called for collaboration across political divides to build a society where every citizen could be heard, supported to achieve their potential, and encouraged to contribute to collective progress.
Fubara noted that the state’s democratic experience has come with both victories and challenges, each reinforcing the need to stay true to the principles of democracy.
He maintained that while the state’s democratic journey has faced setbacks, the collective determination of its people remains intact. He called on citizens to face this moment with unity, boldness, and a renewed sense of purpose.
He encouraged every citizen to take an active role in creating a peaceful and united society, one built on healing, mutual understanding, and a shared vision for long-term development.
Fubara also acknowledged the efforts and sacrifices of past leaders, noting that they laid the foundation for today’s democracy saying that the current moment should serve as a measure of the people’s ability to build on those gains and transform Rivers into one that truly served all its residents.
He added that the hardships endured on the path to democracy should remind everyone of the importance of honoring the legacy of those who fought for it, and of remaining committed to the values that inspired them.
He urged Rivers people to act with patriotism, dedication, and a sense of responsibility and described the period as a call to action, one that required the use of the state’s collective creativity, energy, and commitment to overcome challenges ahead.
Fubara expressed confidence in the direction the state is taking, stating that Rivers would emerge stronger and more united appealing to every citizen to play their part in building a society where everyone had the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the state’s progress.
Meanwhile, elder statesmen, governors, renowned activists and leaders of thought have brainstormed Thursday in Lagos on the future of Nigeria in commemoration of the 32nd Democracy Day Anniversary.
The event, which was organised in collaboration with June 12 Pro-Democracy Movement of Nigeria, is an annual agenda setting national dialogue on the future of Nigeria.
The theme of the event is June 12: Democracy Without a Democratic Constitution: Which Way For Nigeria?”, a statement by the conveners of Nigeria’s Democracy Day Dialogue, signed by Prof Anthony Kila, said.
The key speakers scheduled for the dialogue are former secretary general of the Commonwealth and chairman of the Patriots, Emeka Anyaoku, Governor Babajide Sanwoolu of Lagos State, Rt Hon Aminu Tambuwal, Former Speaker of House of Representatives.
Others are former military administrator, General Ike Nwachukwu; Dr Olisa Agbakoba SAN; Prof Mike Ozekhome, SAN; Barr Femi Falana, SAN; Dr Oby Ezekwesili; Prof Kingsley Moghalu; Senator Shehu Sani; Aare Dele Momodu; Barr Adewole Adebayo Esq.
