Tinubu's democracy day message is hollow without action on banditry

The Christian Conscience has called on President Tinubu to implement measures that will strengthen and safeguard Nigeria's democracy, and I cannot agree more. In a statement signed by its National Chairman Dr. Yetunde Akinluyi and National Secretary Dr. Kolawole Verrals, the group reminded leaders that Nigerians are demanding nothing extraordinary beyond basic necessities like affordable housing, motorable roads, accessible healthcare, quality education, and adequate security. This is not a radical request, it is the bare minimum of governance.

But here is where I have a problem. Democracy Day comes every year and we get the same speeches from Aso Rock while bandits continue to hold citizens captive across the North West and North Central. The Christian Conscience specifically urged the Federal Government to intensify efforts to secure the release of all Nigerians still being held by bandits. Yet there is no visible urgency from this administration. The gap between the living conditions of our leaders and the people they govern is widening by the day, and that is exactly how democracy becomes endangered.

We cannot celebrate democracy while citizens cannot travel from Kaduna to Abuja without fear of kidnapping. We cannot celebrate democracy while leaders live in affluence and the people suffer. The group warned that when this gap becomes too wide, the nation risks social unrest. I think we are already there. Be honest, does this government actually care about ordinary Nigerians or is democracy just a photo opportunity for them?