THE Federal Government has declared Wednesday, June 12, as a public holiday to mark Nigeria’s 2024 Democracy Day.
A statement on Tuesday, June 11, by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Aishetu Ndayako, said the minister, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on behalf of the Federal Government, congratulated Nigerians on the occasion.
The statement partly read, “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.”
He urged Nigerians to remain steadfast on the tenets of democratic governance.
Tunji-Ojo reiterated President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to positive reforms to revive the nation’s economy and enhance security.
He appealed to Nigerians to look forward to a better future for the country.
“The minister also called on Nigerians and friends of Nigeria to appreciate the progress that has been made, and look forward to a better future for Nigeria’s Democracy,” the statement added.
Until 2019, Nigeria celebrated Democracy Day on May 29.
Former President Muhammadu Buhari directed that the celebration be marked on June 12 in honour of Moshood Abiola, acclaimed winner of the 1993 presidential election, held on the same date.
June 12 has always been significant to Nigerians, many of whom refer to the 1993 election as the most peaceful and credible poll ever held in the country.
An estimated 14 million Nigerians showed up at polling units, defying poor weather to elect Abiola in an election they hoped would put an end to military putsches and dictatorship.
Although data from the poll showed that Abiola won the election, he was never formally declared the winner.
Abiola was also never sworn in by the military government under the administration of Ibrahim Babangida, an Army General.
While struggling to reclaim his mandate, Abiola was imprisoned by the then Head of State, Sani Abacha, another Army General who took over from Babangida. Abiola died while still in detention, in 1998.
Buhari conferred Abiola with a posthumous award of the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR), the highest national honour exclusively reserved for presidents and former presidents.
Usman Mustapha is a solution journalist with International Centre for Investigative Reporting. You can easily reach him via: umustapha@icirnigeria.com. He tweets @UsmanMustapha_M