It is 18 years of uninterrupted
democracy in Nigeria. God has indeed blessed us with many wonderful leaders who
have contributed in one way or the other.
As today Monday May 29, 2017
marks another democracy day in the country, Omonaijablog presents you 5
interesting facts about democracy.
1. The first Democracy Day was on
May 29, 1999 when former military leader and then President-elect, Olusegun
Obasanjo was sworn in as the President of Nigeria.
2. The first Democracy Day also
signified the end of almost 30 years of military rule since 1966, with a brief
stint of democracy between 1979 and 1983 with Alh. Shehu Shagari in power.
3. The first Democracy Day – and
generally, the practice of democracy since 1999 – took place after Gen.
Abdusalam Abubakar, the last military leader of Nigeria promised a transition to
democracy. In line with this, a new constitution was adopted in May 5, 1999.
4. The National Democratic
Coalition (NADECO) actually opposed the use of the date May 29 in 1999.
This is the umbrella body of pro-democracy and civil society groups that
had been demanding for the actualisation of the June 12 presidential mandate.
5. The date was also opposed by
some Nigerians who pointed out its similarity to the date Chukwuemeka O. Ojukwu
declared the ‘Secession and Declaration of the Sovereign State of Biafra’ and
the day ‘On Aburi We Stand’ speech was made; on the 30th of May, 1967 and
1969 respectively.
Happy democracy day Nigerians...
Please make a wish for the country.
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