This assurance was delivered on Sunday by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, who represented President Bola Tinubu at the National Inter-Denominational Church Service held at the National Christian Centre in Abuja as part of activities commemorating the 2026 Democracy Day celebration.
According to a statement posted on X, Akume said the Tinubu administration is fully aware of the economic challenges confronting citizens and is taking steps to cushion their effects through policies and programmes aimed at improving living conditions.
He said the government understands the concerns of Nigerians and remains committed to providing relief through the benefits of democratic governance.
“Government is sensitive to all these pains, shares in these pains and has heard your cries,” he said, stressing that President Tinubu would continue to strengthen efforts to tackle the nation’s socio-economic problems.
Speaking on security, the SGF said the administration remains determined to safeguard lives and property while intensifying efforts to secure the freedom of individuals held captive by criminal groups. He noted that security agencies are receiving the support needed to combat threats across different parts of the country.
Akume insisted that the government would remain firm in the face of criminal activities and would not be intimidated by those seeking to destabilise the nation.
“The government of Nigeria shall never succumb to terror, banditry or any form of criminal intimidation,” he said.
Reflecting on the country’s democratic journey, Akume described Nigeria’s 27 years of uninterrupted civilian rule since 1999 as a significant achievement made possible by the sacrifices of citizens and pro-democracy advocates.
He paid tribute to those who participated in the June 12 struggle, noting that many endured persecution, injuries and even lost their lives in the quest to restore democratic governance.
As preparations gradually begin for the 2027 general elections, the SGF urged Nigerians to shun violence, inflammatory rhetoric and divisive politics. He also cautioned young people against allowing themselves to be used for political violence, misinformation campaigns or other activities capable of undermining democracy.
“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,” he warned.
He further appealed to religious leaders, traditional institutions, civil society groups, the media and families to play active roles in promoting peace, unity and responsible conduct ahead of the next election cycle.
Among those present at the service were Senate President, Godswill Akpabio; Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu; and Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack.