Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, George Akume says Nigeria owes the heroes of democracy debt of gratitude for having endured the brutality of military officers, the imprisonments, the humiliation, and even for paying the supreme price.
Akume made this statement at a Democracy Day Lecture at the State House in Abuja on Thursday as part of events to celebrate the 2025 Democracy Day.
DAILY POST reports that the event is themed, ‘Consolidating on the Gains of Nigeria’s Democracy: Necessity of Enduring Reforms’.
He said despite the many military takeovers in West Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa, Nigeria remains a shining example of a nation upholding the tenets of democracy for 26 unbroken years.
Recall that in the last five years, West and Central Africa have recorded over 10 coup attempts since the August 2020 military takeover in Mali. Apart from Mali, military juntas have also replaced elected leaders in Guinea, Burkina Faso, Niger Republic, and Gabon.
Earlier in 2025, the trio of Mali, Niger Republic and Burkina Faso pulled out of regional bloc, the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS.
The former Benue State Governor applauded all heroes of democracy, both dead and alive, for their struggle for a new Nigeria.
“Today’s celebration would not have been possible but for the commitment and determination of ordinary Nigerian citizens who stood strong in the face of military oppression, brutality, and rights denial.
“The June 12 struggle was a watershed as millions of our countrymen and women poured out on the streets. From the towns and villages, the cries for democracy and just governance were a movement. That is the June 12 struggle. That movement gave birth to the new democratic regime,”; he added.
Present at the event was the Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented President Bola Tinubu, ministers, heads of agencies and departments, scholars, among others.
