Yesterday night many Nigerians received a shocker when the President, Muhammadu Buhari, announced that the Nation would no longer celebrate May 29th as democracy day, but rather June 12.
The President, through his Twitter account, made this declaration.
He said; “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.”
This announcement has received mixed reviews from Nigerians with many suspicious that it is a political ploy to make the President look good and others impressed by the President’s gesture.
Check out some of the responses below
You deserve a second term Baba! 😃
— Please do not go out except absolutely necessary!! (@NosaAguebor) June 6, 2018
Kudos! Buhari by restoring #June12DemocracyDay in Nigeria has given Nigeria's democracy a huge boost. This is more than good, it fulfiils the line of our national anthem:
"the labors of our heroes past shall never be in vain". #GodBlessNigeria #MKOLives
— Bukola Michael Nelson, MBA, RTBMA,ETBMA (@BMichael_Nelson) June 6, 2018
You do know his buying the West with this abi?
— She Rules🌈💖🍭🔥 (@SheRules4) June 6, 2018
It will have no effect on the minds of those citizens who have decided that their well-being has been of the lowest priority to this administration. So if it is indeed politically motivated and swaying minds is the objective, it is an exercise in futility!
— Anengiyefa (@anengiyefa) June 6, 2018
Perfect stunt to woo yoruba's….Don't fall for this!!!public holiday won't bring food or stop the killings or even change the fact that some people are mad at themselves for campaigning and voting for you
— MaziOlisa (@nee_dles) June 6, 2018
I have my pvc do you have yours??? Am voting PMB vote whoever… but God is with Buhari can’t you feel the vibes???
— 🇳🇬 🇳🇬 Jshow 🇳🇬 🇳🇬 (@jshow6) June 6, 2018
This what a southwesterner, Obasanjo who happens to be from same Abeokuta couldn't do for 8years when he was in power. Obasanjo was a beneficiary of MKO's death but he could not honour the man. Kudos Mr President.
— Ayokunle Vessel (@AyokunleVessel) June 6, 2018
Thank you Sir. This is a huge one but you are going come 2019. We don't want you again
— Award🔱 Winning 🔱 Wife (@bimbo_cash) June 6, 2018
This your desperation is very glaring & even if you want declare Awolowo's birthday a public holiday…
It doesn't make you a leader.
The best way to celebrate that June 12 is for you to please resign & let Nigeria be great again👍
— Iyés_Dan (@iyesdan) June 6, 2018
This technically means another public holiday this month. Yay!
— Randada (@randyodeh) June 6, 2018
It remains to be seen just how much an effect this would have on the President’s tenure in the highest position in the land.
STUPID,GULLIBLE AND MUMUCIOUS FOLLOWERS OF APC……HE DIDNT DO IT IN 2015,HE DIDNT DO IT IN 2016,OH HE SLEPT ALL TRU IN 2017 AND WAITED TILL 2018 TO HYPNOTIZE THE YORUBAS WHO ARE LIKE SIMPLE PENDULUMS,AS USUAL.SWINGING TO ANY SIDE THAT GIVES DEM 5MINS HOPE.IF THEY LIKE, LET THEM CHANGE DEMOCRAZY DAY TO APRIL 4TH WEN MARTIN LUTHER WAS KILLED.WE WILL USE OUR PVC TO DISGRACE THEM IN 2019.IJN.