Radda pays tribute to Buhari, Yar’Adua, Shehu Yar’Adua on Democracy Day

Governor Dikko Radda of Katsina State has paid tribute to late presidents, Muhammadu Buhari and Umaru Yar’Adua, along with the late Shehu Yar’Adua, who was Chief of Staff, Supreme Military Headquarters.

The tribute was contained a statement released by Ibrahim Mohammed, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, in celebration of Democracy Day.
The governor singled out the trio as sons of Katsina whose contribution to Nigeria’s democratic journey remain indelible.

Governor Radda congratulated the people of Katsina and all Nigerians as the nation marks its 27th Democracy Day. He described June 12 as a date that carries the weight of the Nigerian people’s collective resolve to choose freedom, fairness, and democratic governance over all else.

He noted that the day serves as a reminder of how much was sacrificed so that Nigeria could stand on the foundation of democracy it enjoys today.
Honoured the memory of General Shehu Musa Yar’adua, the governor said his “courage and unwavering commitment to national progress helped lay the groundwork for democratic transition in Nigeria..”

He also remembered “with deep respect the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, who dedicated his life to the service of Nigeria across both military and civilian leadership, standing firm for national unity and the rule of law.”
Governor Radda said the legacy of the late President Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar’adua as “defined by his respect for the constitution and his genuine love for the Nigerian people.”

He said, “Katsina is proud of these great Nigerians. They did not serve their state alone — they gave themselves fully to a nation they believed in. Their sacrifices remind us of what true leadership looks like, and we carry their legacies as a guide.”

Governor Radda also offered praise for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s long-standing commitment to democratic ideals in Nigeria.

He said, “Long before ascending to the presidency, President Tinubu was a frontline defender of democracy, one of the founding pillars of the struggle that gave June 12 its enduring meaning.”

The governor said President Tinubu’s consistency in championing civil liberties, popular participation, and the rule of law over the decades has left a mark on Nigeria’s democratic evolution that cannot be overlooked.

He called on all Nigerians to reflect on the meaning of this day and rededicate themselves to the values of democracy — accountability, justice, and the protection of every citizen’s rights, urging “the people of Katsina to continue to support good governance, peaceful coexistence, and the development efforts of his administration.”

He said, “Democracy is not just a system of government it is a promise we make to one another as a people. On this day, let us renew that promise and work together to build a Katsina and a Nigeria that every citizen can be proud of.”