President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared that the Federal Government will never yield to terrorism, banditry, or any form of criminal intimidation, vowing to redouble operations against insecurity and secure the release of all persons held captive across the country. The President’s message was delivered by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, at the National Inter-Denominational Church Service held on Sunday 7th June at the National Christian Centre, Abuja. The service, themed “God of Hope, Actualise Our Dreams,” formed part of activities marking Nigeria’s 2026 Democracy Day celebration, which commemorates 27 years of uninterrupted civilian rule since the restoration of democratic governance in 1999. In a statement signed by the SGF’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yomi Odunuga, President Tinubu declared: “The government of Nigeria shall never succumb to terror, banditry or any form of criminal intimidation.” The President stressed that the safety of Nigerians remains the Federal Government’s foremost priority. He noted that recent attacks and abductions across various parts of the country were painful reminders that more work remains to be done, and reaffirmed that security agencies and relevant institutions are being supported with the necessary resources to protect lives, secure communities, and preserve Nigeria’s territorial integrity. “The safe return of all persons in captivity remains a national priority,” Tinubu declared. “Security agencies and relevant institutions are being supported with the necessary resources to protect lives, secure communities and preserve Nigeria’s territorial integrity.” The President also issued a direct warning to political figures, community leaders, and elites who covertly finance or shield criminal networks. Anyone caught aiding bandits or negotiating on their behalf, he made clear, would be treated as a terrorist. Tinubu further linked the fight against insecurity to economic development, stating that no meaningful investment could be sustained without public safety. Acknowledging the economic strain on ordinary Nigerians, the President offered a message of empathy alongside his security vow. “The government is sensitive to all these pains, shares in these pains and has heard your cries,” Akume said, conveying the President’s words. Tinubu committed to doubling efforts to ease the burden through improved delivery of democratic dividends, noting that the administration was fully aware of the rising cost of living, ongoing kidnappings, and displacement affecting communities across the country. With political activity ahead of the 2027 general elections gathering momentum, the President directed a firm appeal at young Nigerians, warning them against being weaponised by politicians for thuggery, misinformation, ethnic abuse, or religious intolerance. “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,” Tinubu stated. He further urged religious leaders, traditional rulers, the media, civil society organisations, and families to actively champion peace, tolerance, and responsible conduct in the lead-up to the next electoral cycle, warning that democracy must not be turned into a violent battleground. On Nigeria’s democratic milestone, Tinubu congratulated Nigerians on 27 years of uninterrupted democratic rule, describing the anniversary as a testament to the resilience of citizens and the sacrifices of pro-democracy activists who faced persecution, injury, and death in the June 12 struggle. He commended the Armed Forces and other security agencies for their role in defending the country’s territorial integrity and sustaining democratic governance through severe trials, urging all Nigerians to honour the legacy of those heroes by building a safer, more accountable, and peaceful nation. The service was attended by prominent government officials and dignitaries, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Okezie Kalu, Minister of Foreign Affairs Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Walson-Jack. Nigeria is scheduled to mark the formal Democracy Day on Friday, 12 June 2026, when President Tinubu is expected to address a joint session of the National Assembly and deliver a nationwide broadcast. Ene Mary McDickson