A President In Touch With History, A Vision In Tune With The Masses https://bushradiogist.com/a-president-in-touch-with-history-a-vision-in-tune-with-the-masses/ Tinubu’s 2025 Democracy Day Address Resonates Deeply With the Nigerian Spirit President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Democracy Day address to the National Assembly wasn’t just ceremonial—it was presidential, purposeful, and profoundly people-centred. From invoking the ghosts of Nigeria’s democratic martyrs to unveiling concrete socio-economic gains, the President struck a perfect balance between paying tribute to the past and engineering a credible future. Here are the key takeaways that make this address not only a powerful political statement but a rallying cry for national purpose: 1. Democracy as a Shared Struggle, Not a Party Trophy President Tinubu began with humility, calling June 12 a symbol of national sacrifice—not partisanship. By recognizing both southern and northern figures in the democratic struggle—MKO Abiola, Kudirat Abiola, Shehu Yar’Adua, Gani Fawehinmi, and Ken Saro-Wiwa among others—he unified the historical narrative. This reinforces the pan-Nigerian ethos of our democracy, silencing those who often tribalize June 12. 2. Debunking the ‘One-Party State’ Alarm Bells In a bold and necessary tone, Tinubu tackled the propaganda around APC’s growing influence. Rather than dismissing opposition concerns, he addressed them with context—recalling how he resisted PDP’s one-party ambitions in 2003. “I was the last man standing,” he said. This not only validates his democratic credentials but also positions him as a guardian of multiparty democracy. 3. Real Economic Gains That Touch Lives Forget vague promises—Tinubu came armed with hard stats: GDP growth at 3.4%, Q4 at 4.6%—best in over a decade. Inflation easing, food staples like rice and beans stabilizing. Naira stabilizing, foreign reserves have increased fivefold. Over 100,000 Nigerians already accessing consumer credit, with 400,000 more to benefit from July. This shows that Tinubu’s market-driven reforms are not elitist—they’re people-facing, with direct relief and empowerment for the masses. 4. Youth Empowerment Is Not Rhetoric—It’s Rolling The address gave fresh hope to young Nigerians with: CREDICORP consumer credit initiatives. NELFUND for student loans and vocational training. Nationwide fibre optic rollout to close the digital gap. It’s a transformative shift from job-seeking to job-creating. Tinubu’s vision isn’t just economic—it’s generational. 5. Tax Reform With a Human Face The President reminded lawmakers of pending Tax Reform Bills, emphasizing: Small business exemptions. Creation of the Office of the Tax Ombudsman. Digital performance tracking to reduce corruption. By modernizing tax without strangling entrepreneurs, Tinubu is clearly laying the groundwork for an industrial renaissance. ‍ 6. Security as a Backbone for Progress He acknowledged ongoing reforms in intelligence coordination and boots-on-ground operations. But more importantly, he publicly saluted our Armed Forces and placed national security as the foundation of economic prosperity and civil order. 7. Clemency as a Statement of National Healing Perhaps the most symbolic moment was Tinubu granting posthumous national honors and pardons to victims of military repression—including Ken Saro-Wiwa and the Ogoni Nine. This act of statesmanship is both symbolic and strategic—it reconciles the past while renewing national cohesion. 8. Freedom of Speech Is Protected—Even When It’s Against Me In a rare moment of political maturity, Tinubu said: > “Call me names… I will still call upon democracy to defend your right to do so.” That is not just leadership—it’s legacy. This is how you inspire a culture of tolerance in a democracy still evolving in temperament. 9. Call to Legislative Action for National Rebirth Tinubu challenged lawmakers to back him with legislation focused on: Job creation and industrial development. Food sovereignty and national productivity. Youth engagement and tech innovation. This was not a partisan call—it was a national challenge to every lawmaker to rise above politicking and embrace statesmanship. 10. Symbolic Decorations That Cement Alliances By formally decorating the presiding officers of the National Assembly, Tinubu wasn’t just fulfilling protocol—he was reaffirming synergy between the executive and legislature. It’s a statement of stability in a country weary of political friction. Final Verdict: A President Who Understands the Moment Tinubu’s speech shows why history placed him at the helm at this moment in Nigeria’s evolution. He is not only building roads and stabilizing currencies—he is restoring faith. From the streets of Ojuelegba to the hallowed halls of parliament, this address will echo as a reminder that Nigeria is not a project of broken promises—it is a work-in-progress still rich with hope. Happy Democracy Day, Nigeria. Tinubu’s leadership is not just a presidency. It’s a purpose. — By Osigwe Omo-Ikirodah, Bush Radio Academy