By Peter Salami
President Bola Tinubu has declared that his administration will never surrender to terrorists, bandits, or any form of criminal intimidation, even as he pledged renewed efforts to tackle the economic hardship facing millions of Nigerians.
The President’s assurance was delivered on Sunday by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, during the National Inter-Denominational Church Service held at the National Christian Centre, Abuja, as part of activities commemorating the 2026 Democracy Day celebration.
Speaking on behalf of the President, Akume congratulated Nigerians on 27 uninterrupted years of democratic governance since 1999, describing the milestone as a reflection of the resilience, courage, and sacrifices of citizens who fought to restore democratic rule.
He paid tribute to heroes of the June 12 struggle, noting that many pro-democracy activists endured persecution, imprisonment, injuries, and even death in their quest for freedom and democratic governance.
The SGF acknowledged the severe economic and security challenges confronting the country, including rising living costs, insecurity, kidnappings, and the displacement of communities in several parts of the nation.
According to him, the Federal Government is fully aware of the suffering being experienced by many Nigerians and remains committed to addressing the challenges.
“The government is sensitive to all these pains, shares in these pains and has heard your cries,” Akume said, assuring citizens that President Tinubu was confronting the nation’s difficulties with compassion and a strong sense of responsibility.
On the security situation, the President described recent attacks and abductions across parts of the country as painful reminders that significant work still lies ahead. However, he assured Nigerians that the rescue of citizens held captive by criminal groups remains a top priority of his administration.
He said the government would continue to provide security agencies with the resources and support required to protect lives and property, secure 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.
With political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections already gathering momentum, Tinubu also called on Nigerians to reject violence, divisive politics and hate-filled campaigns.
He warned that democracy must not be turned into a battlefield and urged citizens, especially the youth, not to allow themselves to be recruited for political thuggery, misinformation campaigns, 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,” he cautioned.
The President further urged religious leaders, traditional rulers, civil society organisations, the media and families to promote peace, tolerance and national unity as the country prepares for another election cycle.
He also commended members of the armed forces and other security agencies for their sacrifices and dedication to safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy and national stability.