On Wednesday June 12, Nigeria celebrated its democracy day and the president delivered his long-awaited speech. The president in his speech reflected on the sacrifices of pro-democracy activists, and also made general statements across issues bordering on minimum wage, economic challenges occasioned by removal of fuel subsidy and his reforms aimed at reducing overdependence on oil revenues.
On Minimunm wage: The President Bola Tinubu disclosed that arrangements have been concluded to send an executive bill to the National Assembly (NASS) to pass a law for a new national minimum wage to be paid workers in the country.
Honouring sacrifices of past heroes: Tinubu reflected on the sacrifices of pro-democracy activsts, this including Chief MKO Abiola, General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, and others.
Economic reforms: Tinubu emphasized that the Nigeria’s economy was built on a flawed foundaton, adding that his administration reforms are intended to create a stronger, better foundation for future growth.
He noted that he understands that occasioned hardship, stressing that they are necessary repairs required to fix the economy over the long run so that everyone has access to economic opportunity, fair pay and compensation for his endeavour and labour.
Dialogue and Cooperation: Tinubu highlighted his administration’s approach of negotiating with labour unions over issues like the national minimum wage, favouring dialogue over conflict.
Lastly, President Tinubu urged Nigerians to stay committed to democracy, vowing to do his utmost best to protect rights, freedoms of all Nigerians.
In our opinion, though the president’s speech shows evident acknowledgment of the major challenges currently bedeviling the country, it only reassured of economic reforms that will fix the country’s situation, but no clear policies on how to tackle these challenges were outline through out the speech.
Democracy Day in Nigeria was moved to June 12 to honour the significance of the June 12, 1993 presidential election. This election, widely regarded as the freest and fairest in Nigeria’s history, was won by Chief MKO Abiola.
However, the military government at the time annulled the results, leading to widespread protests and a protracted struggle for democracy.