Still smarting from a public holiday less than two weeks ago, Nigerians are embarking on another next Monday, June 12 to celebrate Democracy Day.
May 29 used to be Nigeria’s day for celebrating its 24 years old democracy, but former President Muhammadu Buhari moved it to June 12 in honour of late billionaire, Chief MKO Abiola, who was believed to have won the 1993 election, but was deprived from ascending the most coveted seat in the land by the military led by his friend and former military president, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida.
Abiola died in military detention under another succeding military dictator, General Sani Abacha, who died a few days earlier.
There were questions over the death of both men, despite government’s insistence they died of natural causes. In a statement on Thursday in Abuja, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Interior, Dr Oluwatoyin Akinlade declared on behalf of the Federal Government, this year’s holiday.
She said; “Nigeria’s democratic journey has, like in many other climes, encountered both stormy and smooth sails, but the ship of State, it’s institutions and most importantly, the Nigerian people have remained steadfast on the tenets of democratic governance.
“On this memorable occasion therefore, Nigerians and friends of Nigeria are invited to appreciate the progress that has been made, celebrate the milestones covered and look forward to a better future for the country’s democracy.
“The Permanent Secretary wishes all Nigerians a Happy Democracy Day celebration”.
Everyday.ng recalls for reasons that border mainly on security, the May 29, 2023 Inauguration Day was also declared a public holiday by the Federal Government.