The Federal Government, on Tuesday, declared Wednesday, June 12, a public holiday to mark this year’s Democracy Day celebration.
In a statement signed by Aishetu Ndayako, the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Interior, on behalf of Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Minister of Interior, urged Nigerians to reminisce on the struggles of the founding fathers and ensure that Nigeria remains united as a nation.
He said, “As we mark another Democracy Day in the history of our dear country, let us all reflect on the efforts of our founding fathers and ensure that Nigeria remains a united, secured, peaceful and indivisible entity.”
Recall that former president, Muhammadu Buhari, on June 7, 2018, ordered that Nigeria’s Democracy Day will, henceforth, be held on June 12 every year. Until his direction, Democracy Day was marked every May 29.
Buhari said, “June 12, 1993, was the day when Nigerians in millions expressed their democratic will in what was undisputedly the freest, fairest and most peaceful election since our independence.
“The fact that the outcome of that election was not upheld by the then military government does not distract from the democratic credentials of that process. Accordingly, after due consultations, the federal government has decided that henceforth, June 12 will be celebrated as Democracy Day,”
He also bestowed winner of the annulled June 12, 1993, presidential election, Chief Moshood Abiola of the Social Democratic Party, with Grand Commander of the Federal Republic.
The minister added that President Bola Tinubu is committed to positive reforms to revive Nigeria’s economy and enhance security.
He further urged citizens and friends of the country to appreciate the progress that had been made and look forward to a better future for Nigeria’s Democracy.
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