As Nigeria commemorates June 12 Democracy Day, the United Arewa in Diversity for Development (UADD) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take decisive steps in addressing the growing socio-economic challenges bedeviling the nation, particularly in the North.
In a press statement jointly signed by the National Coordinator, Jamil Bala Muhammad, and the National Secretary, Abdulrahman Aliagan respectively, the group described June 12 as a powerful symbol of democratic struggle, people’s power, and the unyielding spirit of Nigerians in the pursuit of good governance.
According to the statement, the decision to shift Democracy Day from May 29 to June 12 was not merely symbolic, but a conscious national recognition of the historic 1993 election and the people’s right to choose their leaders freely and fairly.
However, UADD lamented that three decades after the annulled election, Nigeria still grapples with multiple crises—rising inflation, mass unemployment, high fuel prices, deepening poverty, worsening insecurity, alarming malnutrition, and millions of out-of-school children, especially in the northern region.
“As we mark this Democracy Day, we must speak truth to power. The suffering in the land is real. The cost of living is unbearable for millions of families. The North, in particular, is being ravaged by poverty, hunger, insecurity, and a failing education system,” the statement read.
The group emphasized that President Tinubu, now midway through his term, must act with urgency and political will to address the worsening conditions.
“Time is no longer on his side. The government must move beyond rhetoric and implement bold, people-centered reforms that will stabilize the economy, restore security, create jobs, and rebuild the social safety net,” the statement added.
UADD also listed specific areas requiring immediate attention, including:
Reviewing fuel pricing and its impact on ordinary Nigerians.
Prioritizing local production and food security.
Investing in basic education and nutrition for children.
Launching a national intervention for street and out-of-school children.
Combating insecurity through intelligence and inclusive policies.
In a strong message to northern leaders, the group challenged governors, senators, house of reps members, traditional rulers, and community influencers to rise above partisanship and focus on practical, sustainable solutions to lift the region out of poverty and backwardness.
“We cannot continue to watch as millions of our children grow up without education or hope. Leadership is about action. The time to act is now,” the statement declared.
UADD reaffirmed its commitment to national unity, democratic progress, and inclusive development.
“Let June 12 not only remind us of where we are coming from, but also challenge us to build the Nigeria we all desire—one that is just, secure, prosperous, and fair to all,” the group concluded.
