June 12 Public holiday For Democracy Day
By Our Reporter
The Federal Government has declared Wednesday, June 12, as a public holiday to commemorate the 2024 Democracy Day celebration.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Dr Aishetu Ndayako, on Tuesday, June 11.
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.
The minister stated that as the nation marks another Democracy Day in its history, Nigerians should all reflect on the efforts of the founding fathers and ensure that the country remains a united nation.
Tunji-Ojo added that Nigeria should be more secured, peaceful, and indivisible entity for the benefit of all.
He also enjoined Nigerians to remain steadfast on the tenets of democratic governance, saying 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.
The minister, therefore, wished Nigerians a happy Democracy Day celebration.
It would be recalled that former President Muhammadu Buhari, on June 7, 2018, directed that the nation’s Democracy Day be celebrated on June 12 of every year as against the current arrangement where the ceremony holds on May 29.
Buhari also honoured 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.
The former president added that the election was the freest, fairest, and most peaceful election since Nigeria’s Independence.
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 election.
Abiola died in detention while struggling to actualise his mandate as contained in the annulled election.
