June 12: IHRC Commends Tinubu’s Strides, Renews Call For Justice, Democratic Consolidation

Folalumi Alaran in Abuja

As Nigerians across the country commemorate June 12 Democracy Day, the International Human Rights Commission (IHRC) Nigeria has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his unwavering commitment to democratic ideals, social justice, and good governance, describing him as a “symbol of resilience and continuity” in Nigeria’s democratic journey.

This was contained in an official letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu signed by the Country Head of IHRC Nigeria, Ambassador (Dr.) Duru Hezekiah, praising President Tinubu’s antecedents as a leading figure in the pro-democracy struggle of the 1990s and a relentless advocate for civil liberties during one of the nation’s most turbulent eras.

“Today, we remember June 12 not just as a date in our history but as a testament to the Nigerian people’s will to determine their future. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s sacrifices, dating back to the dark days of military rule, remain etched in the democratic fabric of our nation,” the letter read.

President Tinubu, a former Senator and Governor of Lagos State was a key member of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), the movement that led resistance efforts against military rule following the annulment of the 1993 presidential election widely believed to have been won by Chief M.K.O. Abiola. IHRC praised Tinubu’s legacy in standing up for electoral integrity and democratic values even in exile, at a time when it was dangerous to do so.

IHRC further acknowledged President Tinubu’s strides in governance since assuming office in May 2023, particularly his policies aimed at economic reform, youth empowerment, and institutional accountability.

“While the challenges before the nation remain considerable—ranging from insecurity to economic disparity—President Tinubu’s political courage and reform-driven agenda are commendable. As a human rights institution, we urge his administration to continue advancing policies that reflect equity, inclusion, and justice for all Nigerians,” the statement added.

June 12, which was officially declared Nigeria’s Democracy Day in 2018, marks the annulled 1993 election that is widely regarded as the freest and fairest in Nigeria’s history. The day honors the memory of Chief M.K.O. Abiola and the numerous Nigerians who fought for the restoration of democratic rule.

IHRC called on all stakeholders – government officials, civil society groups, traditional leaders, and citizens, to use the occasion of June 12 to recommit to the founding principles of democracy: accountability, freedom, and respect for human rights.

“Let June 12 not only be a day of remembrance, but a day of recommitment. The spirit of that election must live on in how we govern, how we protect human rights, and how we build the Nigeria we all dream of,” IHRC concluded.