Press Statement: Nigeria to now celebrate June 12 as Democracy day, leaving the previous date May 29

President of Nigeria has announced through a press statement and Twitter post the decision of the Federal government to change democracy day from May 29th to June 12th and also the awarding of the posthumously highest Honour in the land, GCFR, to the late Chief MKO Abiola, also GCON to Chief Abiola’s running mate, Ambassador Baba Gana Kingibe and Chief Gani Fawehinmi, SAN.

Dear Nigerians, I am delighted to announce that, after due consultations, the Federal Govt 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.

 

Chief Abiola’s running mate, Ambassador Baba Gana Kingibe, is also to be awarded a GCON.

 

Furthermore, the late Chief Gani Fawehinmi, SAN, tireless fighter for human rights & democracy, & for the actualization of the June 12, 1993 elections,will be posthumously awarded a GCON.

 

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.

 

June 12, 1993 was the day millions of Nigerians expressed their Democratic will in the freest, fairest & most peaceful elections since our Independence. That the outcome of that election was not upheld by the then military Govt does not detract from its democratic credentials.