Nigerians have applauded Sen. Shehu Sani for his “non-partisan” and “patriotic” Democracy Day speech to President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday.
While speaking at the Democracy Day dinner held in Abuja on Wednesday, Sani mentioned that “a national anthem, pledge, or constitution cannot unite a nation.”
Speaking on the need to unite the country, the senator who represented Kaduna Central at the Senate mentioned that “a national anthem will not unite a nation, a national pledge will not unite a nation, and a constitution cannot unite a nation.”
Sani went on to say, “a nation is united by the ideals of freedom; a nation is united by equity and by justice.”
Sani also spoke on the economy of the country, where he mentioned that the reforms made by the Tinubu-led administration have brought untold hardship and suffering to Nigerians.
He also took the opportunity to urge Tinubu to order the release of all #EndSARS protesters who are still held behind bars.
“There are some people who are still in detention as a result of the #EndSARS protest. They are young people who were protesting for justice, for freedom, and for democracy,” he said.
He urges the president to “do something about it” and “give them their freedom,” he added.
Sani’s speech has earned him the applause and admiration of Nigerians, with many describing him as a ‘seasoned politician who has the nation and its populace at heart.’
Speaking on Sani’s speech, Adesanya Jr., in a statement on X on Thursday, thanked him “for remembering the people still languishing in prison because they protested during the #EndSARS protest. May God Almighty bless you. You’ve always been outspoken. Keep it up,” he said.
Joe Erazer describes the speech as “an example of walk the talk. To my future generation, please note that Honourable Shehu Sani was an advocate of good governance.”
Desire Don-Robinson mentioned that “rigging and electoral fraud in Nigeria wouldn’t allow people like @ShehuSani to remain in power.”
He adds, “I respect your leadership style and for standing up to speak for the oppressed. God bless you, Senator.”
“I can’t remember the last time someone spoke brilliantly like this to the face of the president; almost everyone will cut corners just to look humble, but @ShehuSani spoke well and very concisely,” Oluwatosin notes.
Other reactions to the speech includes: Chima Egbo, “Why is this speech not trending? My God! @ShehuSani used less than five minutes to tell the president what he had not been told by his aides for over a year. I’m so glad I watched to the end. Shehu Sani, thank you, sir.”
Aremo Afolabi, “@ShehuSani, I pray for more wisdom for you. I see the current national anthem well represented in your speech. You stated it well and rounded it up well as well. I know that our president is a listener. We need to come together and stand by each other now and forever.”
Oladimeji, “Oppressed and marginalised youths by the government. I’m very happy you’ve used your influence to speak for the less privileged, saying that national symbolism cannot bring about true democracy in Nigeria. More importantly, the president also benefited from protests; why now?”
Hycienth Ana: “Sen. Shehu Sani was a comrade before becoming a senator, and once a comrade is always a comrade.
“They are fearless, audacious, and always truthful speakers, not minding the risk of being denied a delicious pot of porridge. Kudos, our fearless and audacious comrade.”
Basil Ujah, “The man just spoke truth to power. There is no sycophancy, and he is not trying to patronise Mr. President. He is very direct and intentional about what he says.”
Emeka Egbosiuba, “This man spoke so well. He said the factor that brings unity is equity, but when it comes to that, some people will say they were born to rule, and it is our turn when some people are skipped from the equation.”
Yinkafal, “I knew Shenu Sani would outlast Nasir El-rufai. They both have different antecedents. Nasir used the current governor to humiliate Sani, but today things have changed; the governor has turned against his former boss.”
Andrew Otonye, “@ShehuSani, may God bless you for speaking boldly and doing so without the help of a handwritten speech. I can’t remember a Nigerian politician who can speak for four minutes plus without looking at a write-up. You have my respect henceforth. God bless you once again for speaking out.”
Adekunle, “Senator @ShehuSani finished work in under five minutes. I haven’t seen anyone look into the eyes of a president and tell them the inconvenient truth in many years. You may not be invited next year, but this will be remembered for decades to come. A courageous person to be proud of.”
