The president attributed contempo­rary challenges in the country to the over reli­ance on a mono revenue source, especially the exploitation of oil. He said these challenges ac­counted for why his government is trying to birth reforms which will help in reflating the economy for the overall good of the citizens.

The president made these state­ments in a national broadcast to the nation on the occasion of the 25th democracy anniversary of the country.

He said his administration has never been averse to the demands of labour, stressing that it has al­ways given the labour leaders room for expression even while they en­gaged in strike at the detriment of the country.

Commenting on the nation’s 25 years unbroken democratic jour­ney, Tinubu said Nigerians must remind themselves that no matter how complicated democracy may be, it is the best form of governance in the long run.

According to him, Nigerians must also be aware that there are citizens who will try to exploit current challenges to undermine, if not destroy, the democracy for which so much has already been given.”

Criticising them, he said these people do this not to make things better but to subject all other peo­ple and things to their control and dominance until the point that, if you are not counted among their elite, then your life will be small and no longer owned by you.He said this remains the great battle of our day and the major reason we specially celebrate this Democracy Day. He congratulated Nigerians for witnessing the celebration of another Democracy Day today, the 12th day of June 2024.

Taking a cursory look into how the journey was, he said on this day, 31 years ago, nigeria entered her rites of passage to becoming a true and enduring democratic society. He recalled that Going through this passage was hard and dangerous as prodemocratic citizens who struggled for natural rights in the period lost their lives.

Such great heroes and hero­ines include, the winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, Chief MKO Abiola, the most significant sym­bol of nigerias democratic struggle, his wife, Kudirat, General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua and Pa Alfred Rewane, among others sacrificed their very lives.

The president also honoured the memories of Chief Anthony Enahoro, Chief Abraham Adesanya, Commodore Dan Suleiman, Chief Arthur Nwankwo, Chief Chukwuemeka Ezeife, Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu, Chief Frank Kokori, Chief Bola Ige, Chief Adekunle Ajasin, Chief Ganiyu Dawodu, Chief Ayo Fasanmi, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, Chief Olabiyi Durojaiye, Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti, Chima Ubani, and others who have transited to the higher realm.

The president also alluded to the importance of democracy saying it remains the most effective form of government and Nigerians must do everything possible to sustain it in the country.