President Bola Tinubu has reiterated his administration’s unwavering commitment to crushing insecurity and ensuring the safe release of all individuals currently held captive across Nigeria.
The President also reassured citizens that the Federal Government is actively stepping up measures to alleviate the economic hardships currently affecting the nation.
These remarks were delivered on Sunday by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, who represented the President at the National Inter-Denominational Church Service. The event, held at the National Christian Centre in Abuja, was organized as part of the activities commemorating the 2026 Democracy Day.
Reflecting on 27 Years of Democracy
In his address, Akume congratulated Nigerians on achieving 27 years of uninterrupted democratic governance since 1999.
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He described the milestone as a reflection of the resilience, dedication, and sacrifices of the citizens who stood up for democratic rule. He also paid tribute to the pro-democracy activists and heroes of the June 12 movement, noting that many suffered persecution, injuries, and lost their lives to secure freedom for the country.
According to a statement signed by Yomi Odunuga, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the SGF, the President remains fully dedicated to his constitutional duties. The statement noted that Tinubu intends to “double his efforts” to ensure that the current socio-economic challenges are minimized through the delivery of sustainable democratic benefits.
Acknowledging the widespread economic strain, insecurity, kidnappings, and displacement affecting numerous communities, Akume emphasized that the government is not blind to these struggles.
“Government is sensitive to all these pains, shares in these pains and has heard your cries,” Akume stated, adding that President Tinubu is tackling these issues with empathy and a profound sense of responsibility.
Addressing national security, the SGF maintained that safeguarding the lives of Nigerians is the administration’s topmost priority. While acknowledging that recent attacks and kidnappings serve as painful reminders of the work ahead, he emphasized that securing the freedom of all captives remains a vital national objective. He added that security agencies are receiving the required resources to protect communities and defend Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
“The government of Nigeria shall never succumb to terror, banditry or any form of criminal intimidation,” he declared.
The church service, themed “God of hope, actualise our dreams,” was well-attended by prominent figures, 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 Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack.
As political movements begin to pick up ahead of the 2027 general elections, the SGF cautioned Nigerians against violence, hate speech, and divisive actions, stressing that democracy should not be turned into a battleground.
He directed a specific appeal to the Nigerian youth, urging them to resist being used as tools for thuggery, political violence, fake news, ethnic hostility, 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,” Akume urged.
Closing his remarks, the SGF called upon religious figures, traditional rulers, civil society groups, the media, and families to foster tolerance and peaceful coexistence as the next election cycle approaches.
He concluded by affirming that despite current hurdles, Nigeria’s democratic institutions remain resilient, strong, and fully committed to interfaith harmony and global cooperation.
