President Tinubu's Bold Promise: Crushing Insecurity and Economic Crisis

President Bola Tinubu's administration has reiterated its unwavering commitment to alleviating economic hardship, combating insecurity, and ensuring the safe release of all citizens held captive across the nation. This assurance was conveyed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen. George Akume, during the National Inter-Denominational Church Service in Abuja. The service, a key event marking the 2026 Democracy Day celebration, was themed: “God of Hope, Actualise Our Dreams,” and convened a distinguished assembly of top government officials, esteemed religious leaders, and other prominent dignitaries. Among the notable attendees were Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack.

Sen. Akume seized the opportunity to congratulate Nigerians on achieving 27 years of uninterrupted democratic governance since 1999. He lauded this significant milestone as a powerful testament to the remarkable resilience and profound sacrifices made by countless citizens who tirelessly championed the return to democratic rule. Furthermore, he paid a heartfelt tribute to the courageous pro-democracy activists involved in the historic June 12 struggle, acknowledging that many faced severe persecution, sustained grievous injuries, and even made the ultimate sacrifice in their unwavering pursuit of democratic ideals.

According to Akume, President Tinubu remains steadfast in his constitutional responsibilities and is determined to intensify efforts aimed at significantly reducing the prevailing socio-economic challenges through the diligent delivery of democratic dividends. He candidly acknowledged the widespread hardship being experienced by numerous households, including the persistent issues of insecurity, kidnappings, and the displacement of communities in various regions. “Government is sensitive to all these pains, shares in these pains and has heard your cries,” Mr. Akume empathetically stated, assuring the public that President Tinubu is actively addressing these multifaceted challenges with profound compassion and an unwavering sense of duty.

Regarding national security, the SGF unequivocally stressed that safeguarding the lives and property of all citizens remains the Federal Government's paramount priority. He recognized that recent attacks and abductions serve as stark and painful reminders of the extensive work that still lies ahead. Akume assured Nigerians that continuous efforts are underway to guarantee the safe rescue of all individuals currently held in captivity, emphasizing that security agencies are being consistently strengthened and adequately supported to enhance their responsiveness and effectiveness. He firmly declared that “The government will never succumb to terror, banditry or any form of criminal intimidation.”

In a call for national unity and peace, Mr. Akume urged citizens to actively shun violence, divisive hate speech, and rhetoric that fosters division, especially as political activities gradually intensify in anticipation of the 2027 general elections. He specifically cautioned young people against engaging in thuggery, electoral violence, the spread of misinformation, ethnic hostility, and religious intolerance. He passionately advised, “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.”

The SGF further appealed to religious leaders, traditional rulers, civil society organizations, the media, and families to proactively promote unity, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence as the nation approaches another crucial election cycle. He reaffirmed Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to democratic governance, fostering interfaith harmony, and engaging constructively with the global community, asserting that despite prevailing challenges, the nation’s democratic institutions remain robust and resilient. Akume also extended commendations to the Armed Forces and other security agencies for their immense sacrifices in diligently protecting the nation and steadfastly sustaining democratic rule. He concluded by urging all Nigerians to honor the enduring legacy of the June 12 heroes by collectively striving towards building a country where elections are conducted peacefully, leaders are held accountable, communities are secure, and all citizens can live with dignity.