The presidency has reacted to the slip and fall by President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday during the democracy day event held at the Eagle Square in Abuja.

While confirming the slip of the President during the event, the Special Assistant to the President on Social Media, Dada Olusegun noted that it was just a minor incident.

He explained that the President only missed his step while climbing the parade vehicle but there were no issues as he immediately continued with the ceremony.

“Mr President missed his step while climbing into the truck at the June 12 Democracy Day celebration and tripped. It was a mild misstep. He immediately went on with the ceremonial rounds. No issues,” he wrote via X.

Recall Naija News had earlier reported that President Bola Tinubu, on Wednesday, slipped and fell while boarding the parade vehicle at the venue of the 2024 Democracy Day.

The President had approached the vehicle shortly after he arrived at the Eagles Square, Abuja venue of the programme. The President lost his footing momentarily as he was about to step into the vehicle.

However, despite the slip, the President quickly regained his balance and continued with the proceedings.

Watch the video below.

President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday said the majority N62,000 minimum wage proposal by the federal government and the Organised Private Sector (OPS) was negotiated in good faith.

The president’s assertion was disclosed in his speech to mark the 25th anniversary of Democracy celebrated June 12.

Recall the Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma had expressed optimism, that the federal government and OPS N62,000 proposal would be enacted as law.

According to him, “Arising from what happened in 2018, when the government lost after offering N24,000 and OPS and Labour offered N30,000.

“When the recommendation got to the then-president, he approved and took the opposition party. In the same margin, we expect when this gets to the president, he will also take the majority position”.

However, the President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) Festus Osifo while reiterating the organised labour demand of N250,000 told THE WHISTLER “There is nothing really about the majority proposal, because Labour creates wealth, and we are those who create wealth, we are those who wear the shoes and know where the shoe pinches also.

“We believe that Mr President is reasonable enough and understands what Nigerians are passing through having promised Nigerians a living wage, that he will consider our positions and our Plight”.

But addressing the N62,000 minimum wage proposal, the president said, “In this spirit, we have negotiated in good faith and with open arms with organized labour on a new national minimum wage.

“We shall soon send an executive bill to the National Assembly to enshrine what has been agreed upon as part of our law for the next five years or less.

“In the face of labour’s call for a national strike, we did not seek to oppress or crack down on the workers as a dictatorial government would have done. We chose the path of cooperation over conflict.

“No one was arrested or threatened. Instead, the labour leadership was invited to break bread and negotiate toward a good-faith resolution”.

In the end, our national greatness will not be achieved by travelling the easy road, it can only be achieved by taking the right one, the president said

The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election, Mr Peter Obi, has said Nigeria is not practising democracy but experiencing state capture with increasing attacks on journalists.

Journalists have come under increasing attacks with a number of them abducted and thrown into jail without trial for months under the administration of Bola Tinubu.

But Obi decried the attacks on media practitioners insisting that true democracy forbids such state-sponsored attacks on free speech while speaking on Wednesday to Mark the 25th democracy day celebration.

Nigeria returned to democracy in 1999 after years of military rule.

Obi said as the country marks democracy day commemorating 25 years of striving to be a democratic country, the fundamental question remains if the country is truly democratic.

He said an unexamined life is not worth living, “so it is now time to re-examine what we have been doing over this quarter of a century.

“Democracy, as we know, is the government of the people, by the people, and for the people.

“While we may say that in 1999 we started in earnest in the right direction, today we have deteriorated into what can be classified as classical state capture. Instead of benefiting all, it has become a deprivation to all.”

He stated that the consequences of not being a true democracy have led to leadership failures that have resulted in “uncontrolled systemic corruption, high levels of insecurity, lack of freedom of speech, increasing poverty rates, and unprecedented levels of hunger and hardship, which remain unsolved and are growing geometrically.”

True democracy, he said, should be people-oriented, where the rights of citizens are respected, the laws are obeyed, the leaders remain accountable to the people, and people’s welfare and care, especially for the poor, become paramount and high priorities.

He pointed out that to “further illustrate that we are not truly democratic and have only produced the vices enumerated above, we are now ranked as follows:

“In the measurement of democracy, we have a democracy index score of 4.23, which ranks us low on the Global Democracy Index.

“In the Corruption Perception Index, we are ranked 145th among the 180 countries measured, showing a high level of corruption in Nigeria.

“In the Rule of Law Measurement, we are ranked 120th out of 142 countries measured in the World Justice Project (WJP) Rule of Law Index, indicating that Nigeria suffers from gross disobedience to the rule of law.”

He referenced that the “2024 World Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) describes Nigeria as one of West Africa’s most dangerous and difficult countries for journalists.

“Nigeria ranks 112th out of 180 countries where journalists are regularly monitored, attacked, and arbitrarily arrested.

“We are ranked 109th out of 125 countries measured on the Global Hunger Index.”

He called for a return to a truly democratic nation, the fear he said was achieved on June 12, 1993, by collectively voting for democracy. “We must stand in defence of Nigeria’s democracy today.

“I urge everyone to respect and protect the institutions of the democratic state, obey the governing laws of the state, be accountable to the people, and fulfil the responsibilities of responsible governance as contained in the constitution.

“As we build a New Nigeria, these tenets shall be the pillars of our true democracy. It is possible,” Obi said.

Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, has said that phase one of the Lagos-Calabar super highway will be ready for commissioning by May 2025.  

Umahi disclosed this at a meeting with contractors at the Ministry’s headquarters in Mabushi, Abuja. Commending the contractor handling the project for the quality of work, Umahi also revealed that the Federal Government has paid N10bn as compensation for communities and individuals along the road corridor affected by the project.  

He said;  

“The ministry is doing everything possible to see how we can do away with veriation of price. In the states, there is nothing like variation of price, but what is fashionable in the Ministry of Works is variation of price.

“Let me announce that the concrete we gave, the asphalt we gave are based on a price of N1,700 per $1 US dollar; it don’t attract any variation. Even the legacy project, the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, we have cut down to six lanes. The project has not been stopped. 

“It is going on smoothly. The first phase of this project should be ready for commissioning by May 2025. It shows that we mean business. As we are taking now, over 4 kilometers of concrete road has been completed. And where you have MTN and African cable, we saved the community and the cables. 

“We had to reroute to establish a new pathway away from the old route and the gazetted route. We’ve paid compensation of almost N10bn. 

“Over 90 percent of the new projects in the 2024 budget are constituency projects of the National Assembly. These constituency projects have very poor (funding) allocations in the 2024 budget, and that is why I say it is a palliative budget. 

“The budget is, (however) also very useful because a chain is as strong as its weakest link. If you have a beautiful road and it is broken into two by a flood, what do you do? That is where the budget provision or emergency project will come in handy. 

“We have 330 (emergency) projects, and as at today, we have completed over 80 per cent. We’ve completed some bridges.”

Umahi also said that the Federal Executive Council has agreed that some projects that do not have funding will be stepped down for those that have the greatest impact on the lives of a greater number of Nigerians. 

President Bola Tinubu, has raised the alarm over alleged attempts by some people to cash in on the current economic challenges in the country to undermine and destroy democracy. 

The President, however, promised to preserve democracy and protect the rights, freedoms, and liberties of Nigerians.

He added that the Federal Government negotiated in good faith and with open arms with organised labour on a new national minimum wage.

He promised to as soon as possible send an executive bill to the National Assembly to enshrine what has been agreed upon as part of the law for the next five years or less.

In his nationwide broadcast, today on Democracy Day, the President noted that some persons sacrificed their lives to ensure that democratic government was put in place about 25 years ago.

His words: “My dear compatriots, Nigeria faced a decision of untold gravity 25 years ago: Whether to veer towards a better destination or continue aimlessly in the fog of dictatorship.

“We made the right choice then. We must continue with that choice now.

“As Nigerians, we must remind ourselves that no matter how complicated democracy may be, it is the best form of governance in the long run. We must also be aware that there are those among us who will try to exploit current challenges to undermine, if not destroy, this democracy for which so much has already been given.

“These people do this not to make things better but to subject all other people and things to their control and dominance until the point that, if you are not counted among their elite, then your life will be small and no longer owned by you.

“This is the great battle of our day and the major reason we specially celebrate this Democracy day.”
The President said that Nigeria’s democracy is more than a historic fact, noting that it is a living, breathing reality.

He further said that the true meaning of the day is not to focus solely on the great deeds of the past that have brought the country to her present point.

He said: “Yes, we pay eternal honour to those who laid down their lives, sacrificing everything to pave the way for the nation.

“I stand uniquely placed in this regard. I was among those who took the risk to midwife the birth of our democracy. I am now a direct and obvious beneficiary of the fruits of those historic efforts.

“As president of this nation, I am morally and constitutionally bound to preserve this precious form of governance. I vow to do my utmost best to protect your rights, freedoms, and liberties as citizens of Nigeria.
“Even more than that, I pledge to do whatever is necessary to cement democracy as our way of life. 

“I come before you also to declare that our most important work remains before us. This real test has never been whether we would rise to challenge the slings of misfortune and grievous pain of dictatorship.

“The real test is whether we shall lower our guards as the shadow of despotism and its evident physical danger fade.”

We must re-commit to inclusivity, accountability, transparency

President Tinubu had earlier urged the citizenry and leaders to recommit to the values of inclusivity, accountability and transparency to guarantee an enduring democracy.

President Tinubu said after 25 years of uninterrupted democracy, it was time for all Nigerians to partake “in building a nation where every voice is heard, where every potential is realised, and where every citizen is empowered to contribute to the collective good.”

The President, who spoke during the 2024 Democracy Day Lecture at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, noted that at this point of the nation’s democratic journey, every Nigerian, irrespective of background, must be given a chance to contribute to the nation’s shared destiny. 

The president spoke as a host of leaders and groups dissected Nigeria’s democracy since the June 12, episode and offered suggestions on the way forward.

With a series of activities mapped out to celebrate June 12 by The Patriots, state governments, especially in the South-West, and Civil Society Organisations, CSOs, notable Nigerians and groups, who spoke on June 12, yesterday, included former Vice President Atiku Abubakar; the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP; Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU; International Press Centre, IPC, among others.

This happened as the Federal Government declared today as a public holiday with the Department of State Service, DSS, warned those planning to embark on June 12 protest to have a re-think or face the consequences.

We must entrench flourishing democracy – Tinubu

President Tinubu, who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, said the lessons learned after 25 years is that democracy is a journey that must be constantly nurtured and watched closely.

His words: “Our progress has been marked by both triumphs and trials, each serving as a reminder of the preciousness of our democratic principles. As we move forward, let us recommit to the values of inclusivity, accountability, and transparency, ensuring that our democracy not only endures but flourishes for generations to come. 

“The future of Nigeria lies in our hands, in our ability to dream, innovate, and act with courage and conviction. Let us embrace this moment with a renewed sense of purpose, knowing that the path we tread today will shape the Nigeria of tomorrow.

“This is an invitation for each of us to participate in building a nation where every voice is heard, where every potential is realised, and where every citizen is empowered to contribute to the collective good.”

President Tinubu observed that sustaining democracy for 25 years, the longest in the country’s checkered history is evidence of “the enduring sacrifices of several generations of patriots.”

Passing his verdict on the democratic journey so far, the President declared that 25 years was time enough to ascertain the effectiveness of any experiment.

He said, “Our democratic experience, despite the lows and the highs, is a telling referendum on our aspiration to build a nation that serves the interests of all, a federation that has not conspired against any benign group. 

“We are here because the alternative is a descent into dystopia. Today is a moment to reflect on our journey so far. The tragedies Nigeria survived to settle for this democracy, the fourth of such experiments, must inspire each of us to play our part to honour the labour of our founding fathers and mothers and remind ourselves of the principles that drove their resolve to build for us a diverse nation that has defied the pessimism of detached agents of anarchy.”

Noting that it is not just a day of remembrance, Tinubu stated that it is a call to action, even as he said young and competent Nigerians, including the patriotic and innovative, must all be engaged in crafting a succession plan that secures the desired future.

“It is through their energy, creativity, and commitment that we will build a Nigeria that stands resilient against the challenges of tomorrow. Let us therefore pledge to create an environment where every Nigerian, regardless of background, has the opportunity to contribute to our shared destiny,” President further noted.

Earlier, Secretary to Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, highlighted the sacrifices made by heroes and heroines who fought for democracy, with many paying the ultimate price.

He saluted the courage of Nigerians in upholding democratic values despite challenges. 

He said, “Our democratic journey is one of optimism as reversal is never contemplated. Today provides an opportunity to salute the resilience of our people in believing in democracy,” Akume stated.

In his keynote address, former Katsina State Governor, Aminu Masari, called on politicians to prioritise citizens’ needs, saying: “democracy is about the government of the people, not just politicians. We therefore need to prioritise the needs of the populace ahead of our own needs. We also need to become better democrats. We need to fully imbibe the culture of democracy. We need good winners and good losers.”

The Federal Government will seek a a $2.5 billion World Bank facility as a funding window for the 2024 supplementary budget.

The money will augment the N50 billion Presidential Infrastructure Development Fund (PIDF) domiciled in the National Sovereign Wealth Investment Authority (NSWIA), which the government has also earmarked for the budget.

The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Atiku Bagudu, stated this in Abuja on Tuesday when he briefed the Joint Senate and House of Representatives Committees on National Planning and Economic Affairs.

Bagudu told the lawmakers that the $2.5bn was meant to augment the N50bn, which he said was not enough to execute the Renewed Hope Transformational Projects of the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

Recall that on May 29, President Tinubu had hinted the National Assembly of his plan to forward a Supplementary Appropriation Bill for the lawmakers to work on it.

According to Bagudu, the budget will be devoted mainly to the transformational projects of the administration, though he added that it might also include a provision for the new national minimum wage.

The minister listed the projects to include the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road; the proposed Sokoto- Badagri Road; and the completion of all ongoing railway projects, which the government had yet to provide its own counterpart fund.

In addition, Bagudu informed the lawmakers that the budget would provide more money to support CNG, LNG projects targeted at improving energy for transportation and household use.

He added that the Trans-Saharan Highway, which the current administration inherited, would also be funded with the supplementary budget.

Bagudu spoke more, “The supplementary budget that was announced or rather was mentioned, came about when Mr President presented a memo to the Federal Executive Council.

“In the memo, he said that he inherited the Presidential Infrastructure Development Fund, which was domiciled in the National Sovereign Wealth Investment Authority.

“He has also identified transformational projects, including Lagos – Calabar, Coastal Road; proposed Sokoto-Badagri Road; completion of all ongoing railway projects, which we have not provided counterpart funding.

“We also plan to fund the rehabilitation and expansion of dams and irrigation schemes in order to support increased production within the economy. Last but not the least, more money to support CNG, LNG.

“The three roads, dams and irrigation, and railways, is what Mr. President designated as the infrastructure, renewed health infrastructure priority items.

“So that’s what he directed that the ministry prepare for appropriation supplementary appropriation bill.

“We have not finished work on the bill, we have not submitted the supplementary appropriation draft to the Federal Executive Council yet.

“So many people have approached the ministry and indeed leadership of the National Assembly as well as many members asking about the renewed hope the supplementary appropriation.”

Commenting on the new wage demand by the organised labour and the government’ plans, said the new pay demand might be covered by the budget.

“We are not clear how much revenue we have, given the challenges of the moment.

“Yes, we have done some scenarios given the exchange rate fluctuation and the impact of the budget and even scenarios given the current minimum wage negotiation that is ongoing.

“This is because even at N60,000, even at N62,000, that immediately doubles the minimum wage.

“So it was the forecast that even at the lowest level, it will increase inflation rate and that might affect interest rates which will affect in turn, economic activity, debt surges among others.”

He also spoke on the performance of the main 2024 budget of N28.7trillion, explaining why funds had yet to be released to some MDAs.

Bagudu stated, “Unlike the usual practice where every quarter the ministry of finance sent money to MDAs depending on what the envelope size is. That has been discarded and replaced by the bottom up cash.

“Under our procurement laws, ministries and MDAs are supposed to commence procurement as soon as the budget is passed into law.

“So most MDAs are in that process now. The first quarter capital releases is not high because most MDAs have not yet awarded the contracts and consequently they have not put any request for cash.

“We believe that it will pick up in this second quarter and subsequent quarters. So the budget performance will be difficult as procurement processes are completed by MDAs.

“Equally, as part of an effort for better treasury management, the federal Ministry of Finance have now decided that for some category of contracts, they will be doing the payments.

“So again, that is intended to ensure that financial resources are pooled in one place, rather than sent to various MDAs awaiting processes. So those are the broad brief on the 2024 budget.”

However, the Chairman of the session, Sen. Yahaya Abdullahi, felt that that executive should have proposed amendments to the 2024 budget as against sending in a new one, considering the time it would take to conclude work on the new bill.

As Nigeria marks Democracy Day, the National Coordinator of the Disciples of Jagaban, Comrade AbdulHakeem Adegoke Alawuje, has appealed to Nigerians to give President Bola Ahmed Tinubu a chance to build the country, saying it takes time to build a broken nation

This was contained in a press statement signed by his media aide, Elder Yinka Salaam, and made available to the Nigerian Tribune on Tuesday.

Alawuje congratulates Nigerians and the President in particular for witnessing another Democracy Day in a peaceful atmosphere.

“We must congratulate ourselves for witnessing another Democracy Day in peace, devoid of war, enmity, or rancour, and for having an outstanding democrat like Tinubu as our leader at a critical time like this.

“Tinubu’s only offence is that he volunteered to undertake the onerous job of returning life to a comatose nation. But as Nigerians, we must realise that no president can be successful, no matter how sincere, unless he enjoins the support of the state government, local government, corporate bodies, as well as the citizens.

“Tinubu has only chosen to clear the Augean stable of over 16 years of bad leadership. We should thank God for giving us Tinubu at this time, just as we should pray for him and give him the necessary support as citizens.

“Tinubu never campaigned to attain perfection. He can even attain perfection, but he needs to be put on his toes with constructive criticism, where necessary, as he strives to rescue Nigerians.

“As we celebrate Democracy Day, Nigerians must not allow the hardship and frustration written all over their faces to make them deny the truth. We must always say the truth, support the truth, propagate the truth, defend the truth and be ready to end on the path of the truth.

“Tinubu’s plan and aspiration are to rescue Nigerians who are already struggling to survive. And with our support, he will surely win against all the rapacious politicians whose intent is just to milk Nigerians dry.

“As patriotic citizens, we must be concerned about Tinubu’s success.
if he fails, whoever comes after him will have to start afresh, and that does not augur well for us as a people. It can only draw us backwards.

“The truth be told, organised labour, for instance, has every right to fight for their needs, but if the strike will set our developing economy backwards, they also need to explore another approach to push for their rights. At this delicate and critical period, Nigerians do not need anything that will further stress the already stressed system.

“One of the reasons Nigerians must support Tinubu is because we need to disappoint the Western powers that have already predicted the end of Nigeria as an entity. We must never allow their prediction to come true. Their progress and economic survival are closely linked to our failure. Nigeria must survive because the entire continent is also looking up to us. Our survival is their survival. They are all looking towards the Big Brother to lean upon to grow.

“As we celebrate yet another Democracy Day, we pray God bless Nigeria with and surround the president with sincere and progressive minds who are ready to sacrifice all their endowments for our country.

“As already said in my previous messages, the ministers and other political appointees are urged not to betray Tinubu and Nigerians. Permanent secretaries as well as civil servants must know that they are the backbone of any government. They, too, cannot afford to betray the nation. They should endeavour to guide the ministers rather than lead them astray with wicked guidance.

“Governors and the local government chairmen, the National Assembly members, the ministers and the judiciary are essential part of government. They are critical components to achieving good governance. Mr. President cannot do it alone; it is a collective responsibility.

“Nigeria’s lost glory will surely be restored by the Tinubu administration, but it will take time and a lot of endurance. Let’s be patient and supportive.

As the Country sets to commemorate its 25th Democracy Day on June 12, the Department of State Services (DSS) has issued a stern warning against individuals and groups planning to stage a protest.

The intelligence unit on Tuesday raised the alarm over a staged protest, it said has been designed “with sinister objectives to coincide with the Democracy Day Celebration.”

The agency acknowledged the right of assembly and expression but noted that the determination by some non-state actors to incite mass disaffection through demonstrations, which may turn violent, will not be tolerated.

The DSS said, “However, it is instructive to note that violent demonstrations are at variance with the peaceful disposition of the Federal Government to amicably address all contentions including the minimum wage.

“Citizens are, therefore, called upon to resist any persuasions to be lawless or cause disorder and anarchy in the nation. Displeased persons are rather encouraged to appropriately channel their grievances through the right channels and procedures.”

The agency further reaffirmed its duty to protect the country from inimical acts being orchestrated by disgruntled groups to cause a breakdown of law and order through collaborations with relevant stakeholders and sister agencies.

“The Service, while felicitating the government and citizens on this auspicious occasion of celebrating 25 years of unbroken democracy, calls for continued patriotism, unity and commitment in building a Nigeria of our collective dream.

“Meanwhile, the DSS website, dss.gov.ng; email address- dsspr@dss.gov.ng and Telephone lines +2349153391309; +2349088373514 remain open to the public in the event that there is need to contact it.”

In past weeks, the social-economic stability of the nation has been tense, particularly with the unresolved negotiations between the Federal Government and the National Labour Congress concerning a deserving wage for the nation’s workers among other demands.

The NLC, after a week-long grace that was given to the federal government to enable an upward negotiation of the minimum wage, is likely to embark on a strike in the absence of a favourable agreement.

With this in view, President Bola Tinubu is set to address the nation on June 12 at 7 am.

The Federal Government has rolled out plans to subsidise Compressed Natural Gas vehicle conversion kits by 50% for road transport union members across the country.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Presidential initiative on CNGi, Engr. Micheal Oluwagbemi, said it was part of its move to convert one million vehicles from PMS to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) by 2027,

Oluwagbemi, who’s also the Programme Director of the P-CNGi, spoke at the Northern Stakeholders Engagement in Kaduna on Tuesday.

He said the Federal Government had procured over 20,000 conversion kits that would be immediately deployed for the conversion incentive programme.

This was even as he said that the P-CNGi had identified eight conversion centres in four states which include Kwara, Lagos FCT and Rivers that would pilot the programme.

He said, “we are launching what we called the Conversion Incentive Programme with members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers of Nigeria, Road Transport Employees Association of Nigeria and National Association of Road Transport Owners being our immediate focus. This is because they are the operators in the road transport sector providing 90 per cent of the transportation in the country to members of the public.

“We will be making the conversion kits available to them at 50% discount and we are also ensuring that the installation cost is free. We are already negotiating with our partners who will initiate that project in the next week.

“We have already identified eight conversion centres in four states, namely Kwara, Lagos FCT and Rivers that will pilot the programme. Immediately after that, we will start expanding to other conversion vent that we have identified and there are 120 of them across the country.”

He the subsidised conversion programme was part of President Bola Tinubu’s goal of having one million vehicles converted to CNG by 2027.

In his keynote address, Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, commended the Federal Government’s initiative setting a phase in switching from petrol powered vehicles to Compressed Natural Gas powered vehicles particularly the buses category

The governor, who was represented by the state Commissioner for Works, Ibrahim Hamza, said transportation remained the backbone of the nation’s economy.

“Transportation is one of the major promoters of our socio-economic activities which deals with the movement of persons, goods and freight from one point to another,” he said.