Breaking: President Buhari Declares June 12 As Democracy Day, Honours Abiola With GCFR
Lekan Paul
Posted On Jun 6, 2018
President Muhammadu Buhari, on Wednesday, declared June 12 as Nigeria’s democracy day.
In a press statement signed by the President, he announced the decision of the federal government to award posthumously the highest honour in the country, GCFR to the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Abiola, popularly known as MKO Abiola.
Recall that Late Abiola ran for the presidency in 1993, under the Social Democratic Party (SDP), and was widely regarded as the winner of the freest and fairest election in the country.
However, former Military President Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida (IBB) annulled the election over alleged malpractices and rigging. This many civil society organizations have condemned.
The President in a tweet on his official handle explained why June 12 will replace May 29. He noted that June 12 is a more symbolic day.
“Dear Nigerians, I am delighted to announce that, after due consultations, the Federal Government has decided that henceforth, June 12 will be celebrated as Democracy Day.
“We have also decided to award posthumously the highest Honour in the land, GCFR, to the late Chief MKO Abiola.
“In the view of Nigerians, as shared by this Administration, June 12, 1993, was and is far more symbolic of Democracy in the Nigerian context than May 29, or even October 1,” his tweet read.
