Effective next year, Democracy Day will no longer be observed on May 29, the day the country returned to civil rule after many years of military dictatorship.
This is because the Federal Government Wednesday has declared June 12 as the new Democracy Day.
June 12 was the day the election that should have brought the acclaimed winner of June 12, 1993 presidential election, MKO Abiola to power was annulled by military dictator, Ibrahim Babangida.
Many Nigerians also think June 12, 1993 is the most suitable and proper day to mark democracy day in Nigeria, and not May 29.
In designating June 12 Democracy Day, President Muhammadu Buhari, also honoured Chief Moshood Kashimawo Abiola, with the highest national honour, Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR).
It was a decision pro-democracy, human rights community and progressive politicians have been looking forward to.
On June 12, 1993 Nigerians voted the Abiola without recourse to religion, ethnicity or ideology.
In a letter Buhari personally signed on Wednesday, Baba Gana Kingibe, Abiola’s running mate and late human right lawyer and activist, Gami Fawehinmi were also awarded the national honour of Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON).
