Tinubu: I risked my life for democracy

President Bola Tinubu says his administration is committed to deepening democracy by ensuring adherence to the rule of law and expediting the sustainable provision of good governance, justice, and fairness to Nigerians.

Tinubu, who noted that he risked his life for democracy, said while democracy must be defended, it must translate into tangibles of quality healthcare, good education, food security, shelter, and overall economic prosperity for Nigerians.

The president said this at a meeting with a delegation from the United States Congress led by Senator Cory Booker at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Wednesday, March 27, 2024.

He said Nigeria is a necessary partner for the sustenance of democracy in Africa and beyond, noting that as the continent’s biggest economy and largest democracy, the country is well-positioned to set the best continental example by delivering good governance to its people.

President Tinubu noted: “Nigeria, as the giant of Africa, had suffered leadership elephantiasis years back. I am determined to change that. Adhering to the principles of democracy and the rule of law is very important to us.

“I wonder how democracy will survive if we do not fight for it. I fought for this democracy. I risked my life for it. Military truncation of democracy is unacceptable. The power of our citizens is and must remain supreme.”

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Emphasising the need for the United States to evolve a more prudent and pragmatic partnership with Africa, Tinubu told the U.S. Congressional delegation that the United States should consider upscaling critical development programmes to strengthen ties with the continent.

He added: “It is important for our partners to help strengthen democracy in Africa. Our developmental programmes need serious capital. We are not asking for freebies. All we are asking for is understanding.

“After the Second World War, Europe was impacted. America developed and executed the Marshall Plan to pull them back up. Today, Europe is standing firm and tall as a result. What about a Marshall plan for Africa?

“How can we be categorised and thrown into IMF’s basket of trickle-down slices? We are blessed in Africa, but these are the same resources causing conflicts because of exploitation and a lack of alignment.

“The presence of the resources does not reflect in the living conditions of the people. We must not use yesterday’s methods to address today’s challenges. Nobody wants to risk their life to run away from Africa.

“We are capable and willing to lift our own people out of poverty.”

On his part, Booker described Tinubu as a visionary leader who took tough but necessary decisions for the good of Nigerians.

The senator said: “You are a leader of particular character. You have the courage to do very difficult things, right at the beginning of your term.

“Something that many American leaders should look to; someone who believes so much in their people that they can make difficult decisions and know that their country is resilient and strong to endure so that it can emerge stronger on the other side.”

The Star