President Bola Tinubu has assured Nigerians that his administration remains committed to overcoming the twin challenges of insecurity and economic hardship, declaring that the country will not surrender to terrorism, banditry or any form of criminal coercion.
The President’s message was delivered on Sunday by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, during the National Inter-Denominational Church Service held at the National Christian Centre in Abuja as part of activities commemorating the 2026 Democracy Day celebration.
Addressing worshippers and government officials at the event, Akume said the administration was fully aware of the difficulties confronting many Nigerians and was intensifying efforts to ease the burden through policies and programmes aimed at improving citizens’ welfare.
According to him, the government recognises the economic realities facing households across the country and remains committed to ensuring that the benefits of democracy reach ordinary Nigerians.
“Government is sensitive to all these pains, shares in these pains and has heard your cries,” he said, adding that President Tinubu would intensify efforts to address the socio-economic challenges confronting the country.
On the security front, Akume stressed that the Federal Government would continue to support security agencies in their efforts to combat criminality, rescue victims of abduction and restore peace to troubled communities.
He maintained that the government remained resolute despite the activities of terrorists, bandits and other violent groups operating in parts of the country.
“The government of Nigeria shall never succumb to terror, banditry or any form of criminal intimidation,” he said.
Reflecting on the significance of Democracy Day, the SGF described Nigeria’s 27 years of uninterrupted democratic governance since 1999 as a major national achievement made possible through the sacrifices of patriotic citizens and pro-democracy advocates.
He paid tribute to those who participated in the struggle for democratic rule, particularly activists who endured persecution, imprisonment, injuries and death in the fight to restore civilian government after years of military rule.
With political activities expected to intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections, Akume urged Nigerians to embrace peaceful engagement and reject actions capable of undermining national unity.
He specifically cautioned young people against allowing themselves to be manipulated by politicians for violence, misinformation campaigns or other activities capable of threatening democratic stability.
“Do not rent out your conscience for money, drugs, political patronage or online applause. Your future is worth more than any politician’s temporary convenience,” he warned.
The SGF also appealed to religious leaders, traditional institutions, civil society groups, media organisations and families to play active roles in promoting peace, tolerance and responsible citizenship as the nation prepares for another electoral cycle.
The Democracy Day church service attracted several high-ranking government officials and dignitaries, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, Minister of Foreign Affairs Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Walson-Jack.
The event formed part of nationwide activities marking Democracy Day, a celebration dedicated to Nigeria’s democratic journey and the sacrifices made by citizens in the pursuit of democratic governance.
(Ripples)
