Enilolobo Lauds Tinubu’s First Year, 25th Anniversary Of The Mandate Movement

In a commemorative event held at the Police Ground in Ikeja, Lagos, Hon. Abdullahi Ayinde Enilolobo, the Lagos State Chairman of The Mandate Movement, addressed the press to mark a trio of significant anniversaries: the 25th Anniversary of The Mandate Movement, the one-year anniversary of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, and the 31st Anniversary of the June 12 election annulment.

Enilolobo’s speech emphasized the progress and ongoing challenges in Nigeria’s democratic journey. He reminded attendees of the slow but steady march towards a robust democratic system, likening Nigeria’s progress to historical precedents in the UK and the US, where democracy took centuries to fully develop.

“June 12th is a reminder of democracy’s enduring beauty,” Enilolobo said. “We haven’t achieved all our goals, but we are not regressing. Democracy is a continuous process, and the 2023 elections represented a significant improvement over previous ones.”

Reflecting on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s role in Nigeria’s democratic evolution, Enilolobo highlighted Tinubu’s pivotal sacrifices during the pro-democracy struggles of the 1990s. He portrayed Tinubu as a key figure who risked everything to challenge Nigeria’s military dictatorship.

“President Tinubu stood out as a colossus during the fight for the June 12 election, risking his life and property for the sake of democracy,” Enilolobo noted. He emphasized that Tinubu’s presidency marked a departure from military rule, bringing a pro-democracy activist to the helm for the first time.

Enilolobo also praised several accomplishments of Tinubu’s first year in office:

1. **Student Loan Initiative**: A milestone achievement with over 60,000 applications from underprivileged students.
2. **Infrastructure Development**: The construction of the Lagos-Calabar Highway, expected to benefit over 50,000 Nigerians and boost economic opportunities.
3. **Central Bank Reforms**: Efforts to establish accountability and reduce politicization.
4. **Oil Sector Improvements**: Notable strides in combating oil theft and vandalism, with significant recoveries of stolen crude and operational refineries in Port Harcourt and Warri.

The event also celebrated the growth and influence of The Mandate Movement. Enilolobo announced plans for nationwide expansion, mobilizing diverse societal sectors to support democratic principles and the current administration.

“The Mandate Group is committed to defending the mandate of President Tinubu and promoting unity, justice, and liberty across Nigeria,” Enilolobo declared.

The gathering concluded with an optimistic call for continued dedication to Nigeria’s democratic development, reinforcing the collective efforts needed to sustain progress and overcome challenges.