Happy Democracy Day Nigerians

                   

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.

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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.