ABUJA, Nigeria (FN) — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu pledged Sunday that his administration will not bow to terrorists, bandits or criminal intimidation, vowing to intensify efforts to ease economic hardship as Nigeria marked its 2026 Democracy Day.
Tinubu’s remarks were delivered by Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume during a national inter-denominational church service at the National Christian Centre in Abuja. “Nigeria shall never succumb to terror, banditry or any form of criminal intimidation,” Akume said on behalf of the president.
The comments come as the country continues to grapple with widespread insecurity, including Boko Haram insurgency in the northeast, banditry in the northwest, and mass kidnappings across several states. Similar pledges were made by former presidents Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari, who both vowed to defeat insurgents but struggled to contain violence.
Tinubu also acknowledged the economic strain caused by inflation and unemployment, promising reforms to ease citizens’ burdens. His administration has already removed fuel subsidies and unified exchange rates, measures that sparked price hikes but were aimed at stabilizing public finances.
Reactions were swift. Senate President Godswill Akpabio praised Tinubu’s “courageous stance,” saying, “We must rally behind the President to ensure Nigeria’s territorial integrity is preserved.” Civil society groups expressed skepticism, with one coalition noting, “We’ve heard these promises before. Nigerians want results, not rhetoric.” Policy analysts warned that without concrete timelines, insecurity could undermine preparations for the 2027 elections.
On social media, Nigerians voiced mixed opinions. “Tinubu says we won’t bow to terrorists. Nigerians hope this isn’t another empty speech,” wrote one user on X. Another countered: “At least he acknowledges our pain. That’s a start.”
Tinubu’s vow continues a tradition of Nigerian leaders using Democracy Day to project resilience against insecurity. Whether his administration can deliver tangible improvements in safety and economic relief remains to be seen.
