By Joke Kujenya
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12, 2024 has been officially designated as a public holiday in honour of Democracy Day by the federal government of Nigeria.
This announcement was made by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, through a statement issued by Aishetu Ndayako, the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Interior, on Tuesday.
Tunji-Ojo emphasized the importance of this day as an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the contributions of the nation’s founding fathers and to ensure the country remains united, secure, peaceful, and indivisible. He urged citizens to uphold the principles of democratic governance.
The Minister reiterated President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to implementing reforms aimed at revitalizing the economy and enhancing security across the nation, urging Nigerians and international friends to recognize the progress made and to remain optimistic about the future of Nigeria’s democracy.
Tunji-Ojo also extended his best wishes to all Nigerians for a joyful Democracy Day celebration.
Nigeria’s Democracy Day has evolved over the years, initially observed on May 29 to mark the return to civilian rule in 1999, the date was later changed in 2018 by President Muhammadu Buhari to June 12.
This change was made to honour Chief M.K.O Abiola, the acknowledged winner of the annulled 1993 presidential election, and to serve as a reminder of the democratic process that was thwarted.
This year’s Democracy Day marks the second observance under President Tinubu, who assumed office on May 29, 2023, noting that as the nation commemorates this day, its essence is to reflect on the progress of the Fourth Republic, which began 25 years ago, and celebrates the enduring values of democracy in Nigeria.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12, 2024 has been officially designated as a public holiday in honour of Democracy Day by the federal government of Nigeria.
This announcement was made by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, through a statement issued by Aishetu Ndayako, the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Interior, on Tuesday.
Tunji-Ojo emphasized the importance of this day as an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the contributions of the nation’s founding fathers and to ensure the country remains united, secure, peaceful, and indivisible. He urged citizens to uphold the principles of democratic governance.
The Minister reiterated President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to implementing reforms aimed at revitalizing the economy and enhancing security across the nation, urging Nigerians and international friends to recognize the progress made and to remain optimistic about the future of Nigeria’s democracy.
Tunji-Ojo also extended his best wishes to all Nigerians for a joyful Democracy Day celebration.
Nigeria’s Democracy Day has evolved over the years, initially observed on May 29 to mark the return to civilian rule in 1999, the date was later changed in 2018 by President Muhammadu Buhari to June 12.
This change was made to honour Chief M.K.O Abiola, the acknowledged winner of the annulled 1993 presidential election, and to serve as a reminder of the democratic process that was thwarted.
This year’s Democracy Day marks the second observance under President Tinubu, who assumed office on May 29, 2023, noting that as the nation commemorates this day, its essence is to reflect on the progress of the Fourth Republic, which began 25 years ago, and celebrates the enduring values of democracy in Nigeria.
