President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
Tinubu’s Speech: A Refreshing Focus on Democracy over Rendition of Personal Glory
By Zekeri Laruba Idakwo
In a departure from traditional presidential rhetoric, President Tinubu’s Democracy Day address struck a reflective and humble tone, prioritising the democratic journey and honouring its heroes over personal achievements. By acknowledging past struggles and paying tribute to icons like MKO Abiola, the President demonstrated a nuanced understanding of Nigeria’s democratic history.
The speech revealed a forward-looking approach, focusing on cementing democracy and achieving economic growth. President Tinubu expressed gratitude for sacrifices made by democracy advocates and journalists, recongnising challenges facing the nation and showcasing his humility and willingness to learn from the past.
The President vowed to protect citizens’ rights and freedoms, committing to economic reforms and emphasising cooperation in labour relations, highlighting his inclusive approach. The speech had an inspirational tone, resonating with Nigerians and calling for a united nation.
President Tinubu acknowledged the flawed foundation of Nigeria’s economy with its over-dependence on oil revenues. showing his understanding of economic challenges. He empathised with Nigerians, acknowledging difficulties caused by economic reforms.
Furthermore, the President’s vow to protect citizens’ rights and freedoms, combined with his commitment to economic reforms, underscored his determination to drive progress. His emphasis on cooperation and negotiation in labour relations, as seen in his ongoing engagement with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), highlighted his inclusive approach to governance.
According to him, “In the face of labour’s call for a national strike, we did not seek to oppress or crack down on the workers as a dictatorial government would have done.
“We chose the path of cooperation over conflict. No one was arrested or threatened. Instead, the labour leadership was invited to negotiate toward a good-faith resolution.”
However, and crucially, President Tinubu’s speech failed to address the pressing issues of kidnapping and insecurity, thereby, not acknowledging the imperative of a safe and secure environment for any economic or social reform to succeed. He also didn’t recognise the fact that no meaningful progress can be achieved in an atmosphere of fear and instability, and that tackling insecurity is a prerequisite for sustainable development and growth.
Another thing that stood out for me in his speech is the effective use of quotes to drive home his message. By quoting President Franklin Roosevelt, (“There are many ways of going forward, but only one way of standing still”), Tinubu emphasised the importance of progress and forward motion, even in the face of challenges. This quote enriches his speech by adding a timeless and universal perspectives to it.
Even President Tinubu’s fall while climbing the parade van served as a testament to his resilience and determination. His ability to quickly get back up, unfazed and unwavering, was a symbolic gesture that resonated deeply with his speech on that day. Just as he physically rose from the fall, he is urging Nigerians to rise above their challenges and move forward together, undeterred by obstacles.
The former Lagos State governor also showed remarkable leadership by refraining from the typical blame game, avoiding the temptation to fault his predecessors for the challenges facing the nation. Instead, he took ownership of the situation, demonstrating a willingness to accept responsibility and tackle the issues head-on. This approach not only showcases his maturity but also sets a positive tone for his presidency, emphasising accountability and a focus on finding solutions rather than apportioning blames.
Overall, President Tinubu’s speech demonstrates a deep understanding of Nigeria’s economic situation, acknowledging both the challenges and the need for reforms. His speech marked a refreshing shift in tone and focus, one that prioritises democracy, unity, and economic growth over personal accolades.
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