The Democracy Day is one of Nigeria’s most important days.
This is the day set aside in the country to celebrate the fallen heroes who paid the ultimate sacrifice, paving the way for the democracy the country now enjoys.
These persons often referred to as ‘Heroes of Democracy’ are people whose names will not be forgotten in a hurry.
In fact, from the weight of the annual celebration of this special day, it is clear that generations unborn will be told of their tales.
Indeed, such sacrifice can never be repaid.
The Democracy Day used to be celebrated every May 29 until June 6, 2018.
How June 12 Became Democracy Day
That day, the immediate past administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, declared June 12 as the new Democracy Day.
His reasons were clear, leaving Nigerians with no other option but to accept it.
According to Buhari, it was to commemorate the events of the day of the presidential election in 1993 where results indicated a win for MKO Abiola of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), against Bashir Tofa of the National Republican Convention (NRC).
Nigerians can never forget the 1993 election, for without it, the country may never had known democracy.
In his statement on June 6, 2018, former President Buhari said: “June 12, 1993, was the day when Nigerians in millions expressed their democratic will in what was undisputedly the freest, fairest and most peaceful election since our independence.
Also Read: Democracy Day: Facts About June 12 You Probably Didn’t Know
The fact that the outcome of that election was not upheld by the then military government does not distract from the democratic credentials of that process.
Accordingly, after due consultations, the federal government has decided that henceforth, June 12 will be celebrated as Democracy Day.’’
And there it was, June 12 became the official Democracy Day.
#June12Protest
This year’s Democracy Day has in stock a series of events.
With the fate of the country’s workforce still hanging on a balance, Nigerians appear not to be in a mood of celebration.
The Federal Government has a line up of events for the day, but Nigerians have other plans.
As a matter of fact, in some states, Nigerians are preparing for a mass protest.
This protest tagged #June12Protest is aimed at airing the grievances of Nigerians.
