Photo of President Bola Tinubu
President Bola Tinubu has urged Nigerians to continue holding his administration accountable, declaring that criticism is essential to democracy
He also warned against losing faith in the nation and its institutions.
In a Democracy Day message on Friday, the President said disagreement with those in power should not translate into cynicism about Nigeria’s future.
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“Criticise me, disagree with me, but never stop believing in Nigeria,” Tinubu said.
Addressing the National Assembly, the judiciary, the media and civil society organisations, Tinubu described them as the “guardrails of our republic,” stressing that their role in questioning authority and defending democratic principles remains indispensable.
“To our National Assembly, Judiciary, the Press, and Civil Society: you are the guardrails of our republic,” he said.
Tinubu insisted that rather than seek unquestioning loyalty, democracy thrives on scrutiny and robust public discourse, provided citizens remain committed to the Nigerian project.
He also urged stakeholders ahead of the forthcoming elections in Ekiti and Osun States to ensure that the polls are peaceful and credible.
“I urge INEC, security agencies, and all parties to ensure these polls are peaceful and credible. Democracy fails when citizens doubt the process,” he said.
He reserved a special message for Nigeria’s young people, encouraging them not to give up on the country despite its challenges.
“Nigeria is your home and your future. Build here, code here, work here, and vote here,” the President said.
“Every great nation was built by those who stayed to solve problems, not by those who abandoned ship.”
He further commended the armed forces, police and intelligence agencies for their sacrifices in safeguarding the nation, while thanking traditional rulers, religious leaders and community heads for supporting peace and reconciliation efforts.
“The government cannot do it alone,” Tinubu said, calling for a collective commitment to national unity and progress.
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