…Awards National Honour to Uba Sani, Nwosu, others
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu marked Nigeria’s 2025 Democracy Day with a sweeping address to a joint session of the 10th National Assembly, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to democratic pluralism, economic reform and national unity.
In a speech that balanced historical reflection with present-day policy and political reassurances, Tinubu dismissed fears of a one-party state and honored a cross-section of Nigeria’s democratic heroes – including the only serving governor on the list, Kaduna State’s Senator Uba Sani.
Responding to criticisms that his All-Progressives Congress (APC) is inching toward a de facto one-party system, President Tinubu firmly rejected such notions. “While your alarm may be as a result of your panic, it rings in error”, he stated, adding: “At no time…shall I view the notion of a one-party state as good for Nigeria”.
Tinubu emphasised the importance of political pluralism, encouraging tolerance and free expression, even when criticism is harsh. “Call me names, call me whatever you will; but I will still call upon democracy to defend your right to do so”, he added, while cautioning political parties to focus on internal reform rather than panic over defections.
A central moment in Tinubu’s Democracy Day speech was the conferment of national honours on dozens of individuals – living and posthumous – who played significant roles in advancing Nigeria’s democratic journey, particularly in the aftermath of the annulled June 12, 1993 election.
Among those honoured were: the Late wife of presumed winner of the June 12 election, Chief Moshood Kashimawo (MKO) Abiola, Alhaja Kudirat Abiola – (CFR); Shehu Musa Yar’Adua – GCFR; Prof. Humphrey Nwosu, who conducted the annulled 1993 election – CON; Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu – CON; Balarabe Musa – CFR; Bagauda Kaltho – OON; and Pa Alfred Rewane – CFR.
Others include democracy advocates such as Prof. Wole Soyinka (GCON), Bishop Matthew Kukah (CON), Barr. Femi Falana (SAN), and Senator Shehu Sani (CON)
Veteran journalists Kunle Ajibade, Dapo Olorunyomi, and Bayo Onanuga, among others.
In a particularly noteworthy gesture, Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State was conferred with the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) – the only sitting governor to be recognised this year.
Tinubu praised Sani’s enduring role in Nigeria’s democratic struggle, noting his multiple detentions during the fight for civil rights and justice. His inclusion highlighted his “unwavering dedication to the good people of Kaduna State and to national development”.
Turning to economic policy, Tinubu detailed progress under his administration’s reform agenda. Nigeria’s GDP, he said, grew by 3.4% in 2024, with Q4 growth hitting 4.6% – the highest in over a decade. Inflation is reportedly easing, foreign reserves have grown fivefold, and the naira has stabilised. “States now do not need to go about borrowing to pay salaries”, he noted.
Key initiatives include: Over 100,000 Nigerians benefiting from consumer credit via CREDICORP; A new youth credit initiative set to empower 400,000 young Nigerians by July; A ₦100 billion National Credit Guarantee Company and Broadband expansion, tax reforms, and SME support to boost industrial productivity
Tinubu urged the 10th National Assembly to partner on legislation to improve job creation, food security, and industrial development.
President Tinubu described June 12 as a symbol of “national unity, resistance, and democratic rebirth,” invoking the sacrifices made by pro-democracy advocates – including himself – as part of NADECO’s opposition to military rule in the 1990s. He credited former President Muhammadu Buhari for officially recognising June 12 as ‘Democracy Day’, in 2018.
“Our nation is not perfect, but it is strong. Our democracy is not invincible, but it is alive”, Tinubu stressed.
Calling on lawmakers and citizens alike, he urged a collective effort in building “a prosperous, happy nation”, pledging that the economic reforms underway will soon translate into meaningful improvements for ordinary Nigerians.
