President Bola Tinubu vowed his government will never give in to terrorism, banditry or any criminal intimidation and said he will double efforts to ease Nigerians’ economic pain.
The promise came through Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, on Sunday at the National Inter-Denominational Church Service at the National Christian Centre, Abuja, part of the 2026 Democracy Day events.
Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the SGF, Yomi Odunuga, said the service, themed “God of Hope, Actualise Our Dreams,” drew top lawmakers and officials, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Okezie Kalu, Foreign Affairs Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu and Head of Service Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack.
Speaking for Mr. Tinubu, Akume congratulated Nigerians on 27 uninterrupted years of democracy since 1999 and paid tribute to the June 12 pro-democracy activists who suffered and died for the cause.
He acknowledged the hardships many families face and said the government knows about the economic strain, insecurity, kidnappings and displacement across the country. “Government is sensitive to all these pains, shares in these pains and has heard your cries,” he said, adding that Tinubu was addressing the challenges with compassion and a strong sense of responsibility.
On security, Akume called recent attacks painful reminders of work ahead and promised the safe return of those held captive remains a national priority, saying security agencies are being given needed resources. “The government of Nigeria shall never succumb to terror, banditry or any form of criminal intimidation,” he declared.
With 2027 politics stirring, the SGF urged Nigerians to shun violence and divisive speech and warned youths not to be used for thuggery. “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 said.
Tinubu also urged religious and community leaders, civil society, the media and families to promote tolerance and praised the armed forces and security agencies for their sacrifices.
