President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared that Nigeria’s democracy is not invincible but alive, emphasising that the nation is at a point of structural and fundamental change towards a secure future.
The president stated this while addressing the joint session of the National Assembly on the commemoration of Nigeria’s 26th Democracy Day Anniversary.
President Tinubu also called for more synergy with the legislature to put forth more innovative legislation that further encourages industrial development and job creation across urban centres, while also drafting laws that improve food security and production.
The Nigerian leader lauded the collaboration between the executive and the legislature across party lines on the tax reform bills, describing it as a model of democratic partnership.
“I ask you, the legislature, to join me as we enter the second half of our term to put forth innovative legislation that further encourages industrial development and job creation in our urban centres while also drafting laws that improve food security and production.
“To further underpin our economic vision, we introduced a comprehensive Tax Reform Package, a vital component of our economic re-engineering. I am deeply grateful to both chambers for your thorough consideration and deliberation of these bills, and I look forward to signing them into law soon.
“Again, your collaboration across party lines on these bills has been a model of democratic partnership,” the President said.
President Tinubu further tasked the legislatures to do more to jointly realise a more real Nigerian political and economic dream, while all arms of government expand the political space.
“Do not be afraid to hear an unkind word spoken against you. Some of the best advice a politician gets sometimes comes from his most ferocious opponents. We dare not seek silence because the imposed silence of repressed voices breeds chaos and ill will, not the harmonics of democracy in the long term.
“As elected leaders, we must continue to do more to make real the dream of Nigeria’s political and economic democracy. We must be vigilant in expanding the political space. We must always value dialogue over dictatorship, persuasion over suppression and rights over might. Be tolerant and broad-minded in your legislative action regarding speech and civil liberties.
“While malicious slander and libel should not go unattended, no one should bear the brunt of injustice for merely writing a bad report about me or calling me names. Democracy requires a fair degree of tolerance for harsh words and stinging insults. Call me names, call me whatever you will, and I will still call upon democracy to defend your right to do so. Mr Senate President, Mr. Speaker, Distinguished Senators and Honourable Members.
“Our nation is not perfect, but it is strong. Our democracy is not invincible, but it is alive. And this means our dream of a prosperous, happy nation is still within reach and worth fighting for.
“Mr Chairman, Nigeria is at an inflexion point, undergoing structural and fundamental change toward a secure future,” President Tinubu stated.
The President reiterated the administration’s full commitment to boosting the economy’s productive base through investment in critical infrastructure, roads, expansion of port operations, rail, and power. We are creating a new environment in which industry and manufacturing can thrive.
He assured that the tax and fiscal policy reforms will streamline tax administration and eliminate burdensome and multiple taxes, enabling our industrialists and entrepreneurs to operate in a more conducive environment.
“Governance must work and deliver value to the people. As part of tax reforms, we have provided small businesses with an exemption and established the Office of the Tax Ombudsman to ensure transparency and protect taxpayer rights. Digital tools now help us track performance and reduce waste. The Diaspora Bond and Non-Resident BVN are bringing.
Nigerians abroad into the national development fold.