Dipo Olowookere
By Dipo Olowookere
Friday, June 12, 2020, has been declared a public holiday by the federal government to mark the democracy day celebration in Nigeria.
A statement issued on Monday, June 8, 2020 by the permanent secretary in the ministry of interior, Ms Georgina Ehuriah, stated that the day would be used to mark the sacrifices some Nigerians made for the return of democracy into the country.
She said the Minister of Interior, Mr Rauf Aregbesola, while declaring the holiday for federal government, congratulated all Nigerians at home and abroad for the entrenchment of democratic rule in the country.
He commended the heroes of democracy for their dogged determination and sacrifice which eventually birthed democratic governance in Nigeria.
Mr Aregbesola was said to have called on all Nigerians to continue to cherish these selfless efforts and collaborate with the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration to ensure the realization of the democratic ideals which these Patriots fought for, even at the cost of their lives.
The Minister, who reassured Nigerians of the federal government’s commitment to battling the scourge of COVID-19 with the cooperation of all Nigerians, advised them further, to take responsibility for stopping the spread of the virus.
He reiterated the need for all Nigerians to stay safe by observing physical and social distancing, personal and respiratory hygiene, as well as other regulations issued by relevant authorities.
Before now, May 29 used to be democracy day until President Buhari changed it last year to June 12.
On June 12, 1993, Nigerians overwhelmingly voted late MKO Abiola as president of Nigeria. However, the former Military President, General Ibrahim Babangida, annulled the election and the late politician was never sworn-in as Nigerian leader.
He died on July 7, 1998, barely a month after General Sani Abacha, the man who put him in prison, died on June 8, 1998.
The late MKO was thrown behind bars by the then Head of State, Mr Abacha, after he declared himself president of Nigeria.
