- In June 2018, former President Muhammadu Buhari declared June 12 as the new date for the celebration of Nigeria’s democracy.
- The decision was to posthumously honour MKO Abiola, presumed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election.
The Federal Government has declared Wednesday, June 12, a public holiday to commemorate 2024 Democracy Day celebration.
This is contained in a statement by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Dr Aishetu Ndayako, on Tuesday in Abuja.
Ndayako stated that the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government, congratulated Nigerians on the occasion.
He said that as the nation mark yet another democracy day in its history, Nigerians should all reflect on the efforts of our founding fathers and ensure that Nigeria remained a united country.
Tunji-Ojo added that Nigeria should be more secured, peaceful and indivisible entity for the benefit of all.
He urged Nigerians to remain steadfast on the tenets of democratic governance.
The minister said that President Bola Tinubu was committed to positive reforms to revive the nation’s economy and enhance security.
Tunji-Ojo called on Nigerians and friends of Nigeria to appreciate the progress that had been made and look forward to a better future for Nigeria’s Democracy.
He wished Nigerians a happy democracy day celebration.
NAN reports that in June 7, 2018, former President Muhammadu Buhari on directed that the nation’s Democracy Day will, henceforth, hold on June 12 of every year as against the current arrangement where the ceremony holds on May 29.
Buhari also honored the winner of the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election, Chief Moshood Abiola, with the highest national honour, the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic.
Buhari said further that, June 12, 1993, election was the freest, fairest and most peaceful election since Nigeria’s Independence.
“June 12, 1993, was the day millions of Nigerians expressed their Democratic will in the freest, fairest and most peaceful elections since our Independence. That the outcome of that election was not upheld by the then military Government does not detract from its democratic credentials,” he said.
President Buhari also conferred a national honour on Baba Gana Kingibe and recognised late Gani Fawehinmi for his role in the actualisation of the June 12 elections.
The Abiola died in detention while struggling to actualise his mandate as contained in the annulled.
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