President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday directed that the nation’s Democracy Day will, henceforth, hold on June 12, as against the previous arrangement, where the ceremony held on May 29.
This is coming about 24 years after the gap toothed general from Minna, Niger state, annulled what was undisputedly the freest, fairest and most peaceful election since our independence.
This decision brings to the fore, once again, the debate as to the day that is most suitable for the celebration of democracy in Nigeria: October 1, May 29, June 12 or ‘October 21.’
All the dates mentioned above are significant and symbolic in Nigeria’s history, and can serve as our Democracy Day, except October 21st that was ‘inserted’ in President Buhari’s letter.
I do not know where the president and his men in the Presidential Villa got that date from and what it represents. Before I am accused of misrepresenting or maligning the president and probably charged with “sponsoring armed robbery or thugs”, Dino Melaye, Shehu Sani and Bukola Saraki are my witnesses, part of the letter read: “For the past 18 years, Nigerians have been celebrating May 29, as Democracy Day.
That was the date when, for the second time in our history, an elected civilian administration took over from a military government. The first time this happened was on October 21, 1979.”
From what we were thought in history, former President Olusegun Obasanjo handed over to former President Shehu Shagari on October 1, 1979, not October 21. This is the implication of removing history from our curriculum.
Buhari also resolved to honour, the acclaimed winner of the annulled June 12, 1993, presidential election, Chief Moshood Abiola, with the highest national honour, the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR) and his running mate, Ambassador Babagana Kingibe, who is perceived to have betrayed and abandoned the June 12, struggle and served as minister of foreign affairs in the regime of dictator Sani Abacha, with the national honour of GCON.
As it is, with most major decisions by government, the declaration is receiving both positive and negative ‘reviews’ in Mark Zuckerberg’s community.
While many hailed the president for honouring and upholding the ideals of June 12, many others are criticizing its timing; few months to the next general elections. Hope this is not a Greek gift to the South-west.
Interestingly, the same people who criticised former President Goodluck Jonathan for renaming university of Lagos (Unilag), Moshood Abiola University (MAU), marched on the streets of Lagos; went to Court with over 50 Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN); are now hailing Buhari’s decision.
Whether May 29, or June 12, the global ‘Democracy Day(s)’ is one. It is rule of law, separation of power, respect for human right, tolerance and respect for opposition, free and fair election among others.
Most importantly, has this declaration reduced the cost of doing business in Nigeria? Has it affected the exchange rate? Has it checked the skyrocketing price of garri and other stable goods? Has it finally appeased the Yoruba people?
If the answer to the last question is yes, will you guys finally allow the Federal Government change the name of UniLag to MAULag?
The announcement of the new democracy day also took over twitter Nigeria. Here are some tweets.
Tunji Ajayi-Bembe @tunjibembe
Nice one PMB finally MKO abiola will now get the befitting reward. Southwest will forever be grateful to you
goodluck@goody
Your desperate attempt to win the southwesterners’ hearts in 2019 will not work…why now you are doing this?
king Jude Houdini @Ambitiousafam
Does this mean we are having another public holiday soon???
Nonso @CannonsGray
Thanks Mr President. The late Dr Beko Ransome-Kuti and Chima Ubani should also be awarded GCON. The latter was the strategist and brain behind the June 12 Struggle.
Umar @u_2_2
Just wondering the kind of feelings going through the mind of the gap toothed General in Minna as June 12 is declared Democracy Day
Dr Omano Edigheji @OmanoE
The declaration of June 12 as our new Democracy Day to replace May 29, and the posthumous recognition of Chiefs Abiola & Gani (SAN) as GCFR and GCON respectively is a commendable decision. Politics or not, the two men deserve the recognition for their selfless service to Nigeria.
