President Bola Tinubu
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling insecurity and easing economic hardship, insisting that Nigeria will not yield to terror or criminal intimidation.
President Bola Tinubu’s position was conveyed on Sunday by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, during the National Inter-Denominational Church Service held at the National Christian Centre, Abuja, as part of activities marking the 2026 Democracy Day celebration.
In a statement shared on X, Akume, who spoke on behalf of the President, said the administration is aware of the economic difficulties facing citizens and is working to reduce the impact through what he described as the delivery of democratic dividends.
According to him, the government is not indifferent to the struggles of Nigerians.
“Government is sensitive to all these pains, shares in these pains and has heard your cries,” he said, adding that President Tinubu would intensify efforts to address the socio-economic challenges confronting the country.
On security, the SGF said the Federal Government remains focused on protecting lives and ensuring the safe release of persons in captivity, noting that security agencies are being supported to respond to threats across the country.
He maintained that despite ongoing challenges, the state would not bow to criminal elements.
“The government of Nigeria shall never succumb to terror, banditry or any form of criminal intimidation,” he said.
Akume also acknowledged Nigeria’s 27 years of uninterrupted democracy since 1999, describing it as a product of the sacrifices of citizens and pro-democracy activists who fought for its restoration.
He paid tribute to those involved in the June 12 struggle, noting that many suffered persecution, injuries and death in the process of securing democratic rule.
With the 2027 general elections approaching, he urged Nigerians to reject violence, hate speech and divisive politics, warning young people against being used for thuggery or misinformation.
“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 warned.
The SGF also called on religious leaders, traditional rulers, civil society organisations, the media and families to promote peace, tolerance and responsible conduct as the country moves toward another election cycle.
Dignitaries at the service included the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio; Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu; and the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Walson-Jack.
The Punch
