Former Military Governor of Kaduna State, Colonel Abubakar Dangiwa Umar (retd.), has urged President Bola Tinubu to take decisive steps to address Nigeria's worsening insecurity, poverty and institutional weaknesses, warning that the ideals that inspired the June 12 democratic struggle remain largely unrealised.
In an open letter to the President, Umar commended Tinubu for recognising military officers and civilians who played significant roles in resisting the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, describing the gesture as an important acknowledgment of sacrifices made in defence of democracy.
The retired army officer said the public recognition accorded to the pro-democracy activists and military personnel during the President's Democracy Day address was well deserved.
"I wish to offer my profound appreciation for your public recognition of the services rendered by some officers of the Nigerian Armed Forces whose names were read out during your Democracy Day Address on the 12th of June, 2026," he wrote.
He added that those honoured had risked their lives in the struggle to overturn the annulment of the presidential election widely regarded as the freest and fairest in Nigeria's history.
According to Umar, June 12 remains a landmark event in the country's democratic evolution and should continue to serve as a reminder of the sacrifices made for democratic governance.
"It is hard to overstate this fact, Mr President, that June 12th is a watershed moment in our march to democracy and its annual celebration is richly deserved," he stated.
While praising the President for the recognition, Umar used the opportunity to draw attention to what he described as pressing national concerns that require urgent intervention.
He referenced Tinubu's acknowledgement during his Democracy Day speech that Nigeria's democratic journey remains incomplete, particularly in guaranteeing security for citizens.
Questioning the implication of the President's remarks, Umar wrote: "Many people do not know what to make of this statement: were you displaying some humility or despairing of the task?"
The former governor stressed that those who fought for the restoration of democracy never contemplated a situation where citizens would continue to face serious security threats decades after civilian rule was restored.
"What those officers envisaged when they put their lives on the line back in 1993 were, for want of a better word, ambitious. In fact, they took the security of our citizens as given; a raison d'être, a minimum condition for the existence of any government, democracy or not," he said.
He maintained that without security, every other achievement of government would be rendered meaningless.
"If national security is missing, that would be the end of the discussion; nothing else matters. Nothing!" Umar declared.
Beyond security, the retired colonel said the June 12 struggle was rooted in a broader aspiration for democratic governance founded on justice, accountability and strong institutions.
He noted that the pro-democracy campaigners envisioned a country where the judiciary would operate independently, elections would be transparent and credible, and economic policies would improve the welfare of citizens.
"They craved for a democracy that included its most basic features; separation of powers, independent and impartial judiciary that would dispense justice untainted by partisan or primitive considerations, a truly independent electoral umpire that guarantees free and fair elections, economic policies that safeguard citizens' welfare as well as productivity," he wrote.
Umar also highlighted the challenge of poverty, urging the administration to prioritise policies that would improve living conditions for ordinary Nigerians.
According to him, many supporters of the democratic struggle expected elected leaders to wage a determined battle against deprivation and inequality.
"They also pinned their hopes on a robust war against poverty, especially among the hapless masses at the bottom of the social pyramid," he said.
The former military governor recalled Tinubu's long-standing advocacy for fairness, transparency and inclusion, saying many Nigerians had confidence in his promise of renewed hope and national renewal.
He, however, urged the President to ensure that those values are reflected in government policies and actions.
"As a long standing advocate of equity, equality, transparency and inclusion, many of us saw no reason to doubt your commitment towards a better future and a renewed hope for all Nigerians," he noted.
Umar concluded by calling on Tinubu to make the principles that inspired the June 12 struggle the bedrock of his administration's agenda, arguing that doing so would honour the sacrifices of those who fought for democracy.
"So, in order that the sacrifices that those officers and other Nigerians made towards the achievement of the June 12th struggle do not go in vain, I advocate that those ideals become once again the cornerstone of your national policies," he said.
The letter adds to growing calls for reforms in the areas of security, governance, electoral administration and economic management as Nigerians continue to grapple with rising living costs and security concerns across parts of the country.
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