President Muhammadu Buhari has urged Nigerians not to forget the sacrifices of the heroes of Nigeria’s democracy during the 1993 elections, saying that Nigerians should recommit themselves to ensuring the protection and preservation of the ideals of democracy.
Delivering his Democracy Day nationwide address this morning, President Buhari reassured Nigerians of his commitment and determination to ensure that the new President is elected through a peaceful and transparent process.
He said: “Fellow Nigerians this is my last Democracy Day speech as your President. By June 12th, 2023, exactly one year from today, you will already have a new President. It is important for all of us to remember that June 12th, 2023 will be exactly 30 years from the 1993 Presidential elections. In honour and memory of one of our national heroes for democracy, Chief M.K.O Abiola, GCFR, we must all work together to ensure this transition is done in a peaceful manner.
“I am hopeful that we can achieve this. The signs so far are positive.”
President Buhari also urged politicians to avoid ‘do or die’ politics, noting that democracy is about the will of the majority, hence there must be winners and losers.
Speaking on the spate of insecurity in the country, President shared the grief of the victims and consoled families of those who had been affected. He said his government was working hard to contain and address these challenges by upgrading cyber security and surveillance systems and recruiting and training new personnel across all our security and intelligence agencies. He also ensured that the 2023 general elections will be safe and secure for all Nigerians.
He called on all citizens to support and cooperate with the security agencies by reporting any suspicious characters and activities to law enforcement agencies, noting that crime can only be prevented before it is committed.
“On this special day, I want us all to put all victims of terrorist activities in our thoughts and prayers. I am living daily with the grief and worry for all those victims and prisoners of terrorism and kidnapping. I and the security agencies are doing all we can to free those unfortunate countrymen and countrywomen safely.
“For those who have lost their lives, we will continue to seek justice for their families against the perpetrators. For those currently in captivity, we will not stop until they are freed, and their kidnappers are brought to justice. If we all unite, we will be victorious against these agents of terror and destruction,” he said.
He concluded his speech by assuring Nigerians of his commitment to protect Nigeria and Nigerians from all enemies from within and outside.
