Democracy Day speech: Cut cost of governance — Nigerians to President Bola Tinubu

The Democracy Day speech by President Bola Tinubu has started to generate reaction from Nigerians including the residents of the Osogbo, the Osun State capital.

In a chat, some praised the president for his foresight and genuine intention for the progress of democracy in the country while others asked him to match his talk with action.

Others also maintained that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has nothing to offer Nigeria as he will toe the path marked by other Nigerian leaders.

Murtala Agboola, a social critique and media professional was of the opinion that the message contained in President Tinubu's speech was inspiring.

According to him, "The message is inspiring.He reiterated his Renewed Hope and assured the citizens of the country that their sacrifice shall not be in vain.

"He was of the view that he appreciated the hardships Nigerians are going through but he promised to do much in terms of expenditure on health, education and infrastructure.

“That Nigerians suffered as a result of the annulment of the June 12, 1993 election which according to him until then was the freest and the fairest election conducted in Nigeria.

“President Tinubu also said in spite of any shortcomings it may have democracy is still the best form of government.

“He eulogized the martyrs of June 12, Abiola, Rewane and Yar Adua.

“He promised rule of law and he made it clear that those who don't accept defeat in electoral defeat have no right to enjoy the benefits.“

Emmanuel Olowu, a human right akd social activities said the speech showed the president has an understanding of what Nigerians were passing through.

Olowu requested that President Tinubu set in modalities to reduce cost of governance and also for him to uphold the rule of law.

"The presidential speech on the celebration of Democracy Day 2023 has been precisely put together with a clear-cut happening in Nigeria

"Mr president has the understanding that Nigerians are passing through a difficult time and that corrupt practices taking place via the subsidization of PMS subsidy are real and must stop

"I, therefore request that as the president is requesting the endurance of the Nigerian people those in government most immediately set modalities to reduce in cost of governance

"The rule of law must be the key to governance as that remains the key to good governance and a path to a united Nigeria.

"Conclusion I urge every Nigerian to be set to hold Mr. President Accountable for his promises to be faithful to equity and faithful to justice."

The Osun Trade Union Congress, TUC Chairman, Adekola Adebowale said, "The speech was good. It was well presented and it gives us hope. The only thing as a good citizen and stakeholder in this country, we will give Mr President the necessary support.

"We want to appeal to Mr President that there should be a thorough follow up to the speech.

"It is not enough to give an fre and sound speech on a day like this but it is equally the ability, wherewithal and capacity to follow it up.

"I will appeal to Mr President to do it for us so that the democracy that we are enjoying today which our fore fathers, our leaders in the labour movement fought for, I want you to put it on record that immediately after the 1993 presidential election and the brouhaha that followed, a good number of the labour leaders fought for the return of the democracy we are enjoying today. So that the efforts of our fathers and leaders will not be in vain.

"We just want to appeal to Mr President to work things out."

Ayo Ologun, a journalist and right activist also called for a cut in the cost of governance and also for the leadership to mad by example.

"The speech of the president on the anniversary of June 12 was one that was reassuring and rekindled hope and expectation of the people.

"Although Nigerians have been used to failed promises from their leaders over the years, that of yesterday came with an acknowledgment of the pains and the sacrifice the people have had to make and a pledge that their sacrifices will not be in vain.

"Although, as part of the speech and to have a balance, the president should have announced measures to be taken to cut cost of governance and also sacrifice the leading class are going to make for the sake of the country, the speech reminds us of the need for cohesion and resolve to uphold the democratic tenet which the hero of June 12 symbolizes."

Seun Adeoye, a cleric said, "I wasn't interested in what he said. I didn't hear what he said nor even read anything about it. It will be the same stories, the same lies and the same false narratives to raise the hope of commoners.

"If he has anything to do, I wish him good luck. I am not a prophet of doom, Tinubu has nothing to offer the masses. He will only take care of his family and his political cohorts."

Waheed Saka, the convener of Dialogue 360, adviced the president to actualise June 12 as a way of ending poverty in Nigeria scene he was an active player in the actualisation of the struggle.

"We never expected anything less from President Bola Tinubu as an active player in June 12 actualization struggle.

"However his analogy that the hard won democracy must never be taken for granted should translate to our people must never be taken for granted.

"The President emphasis must be on how to end poverty in sincere actualisation of June 12 thrust of farewell to poverty.

"Our people deserve to live happily in dignified manner."



FI