President Bola Tinubu has declared that the Federal Government would never surrender to terrorists, bandits, or any form of criminal intimidation, while also pledging to intensify efforts to ease the economic burdens facing Nigerian households.
His assurances were delivered on Sunday by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, who represented him at the National Inter-Denominational Church Service held at the National Christian Centre, Abuja, as part of activities marking the 2026 Democracy Day celebration.
The service, themed “God of Hope, Actualise Our Dreams,” was attended by several government officials, including Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack.
Congratulating Nigerians on 27 uninterrupted years of democratic rule since 1999, the President paid tribute to pro-democracy activists of the June 12 struggle, many of whom, he noted, endured persecution, injuries and death in the pursuit of democratic governance.
Acknowledging the strain facing many citizens, according to a statement by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Yomi Odunuga, President Tinubu said the government was fully aware of the economic hardship, insecurity, kidnappings and displacement affecting communities across the country.
“Government is sensitive to all these pains, shares in these pains, and has heard your cries,” he said, reiterating his commitment to doubling his efforts to sustainable democratic dividends and substantially reduce the socio-economic difficulties confronting Nigerians.
On security, he described the recent attacks and abductions as painful reminders that more work remains to be done, but assured Nigerians that security agencies are being equipped with the necessary resources to protect lives, secure communities and preserve the country’s territorial integrity.
He stressed that the safe return of all persons currently held in captivity remains a national priority.
“The government of Nigeria will never succumb to terror, banditry or any form of criminal intimidation,” he declared.
With political momentum building ahead of the 2027 general elections, the President issued a strong warning against political violence and divisive campaigns, urging Nigerians particularly young people to resist being used for thuggery, misinformation, ethnic abuse, or religious intolerance.
“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 said.
Tinubu also called on religious leaders, traditional rulers, civil society organisations, the media and families to promote tolerance, peaceful coexistence and responsible conduct as the nation moves toward another election cycle.
He urged Nigerians to honour the sacrifices of June 12 heroes by working towards a nation where elections are peaceful, leaders are accountable, communities are secure and every citizen can live with dignity.
