Democracy Day in Nigeria is being celebrated on the 12th of June this year, the day carries a heavy symbolism for a country that’s known more years of being ruled by military men than by democratically elected leaders.
June 12 carries huge significance for older Nigerians. It was on this date in 1993 that presidential elections were held for the first time since the 1983 military coup. It was an event many observers have described as the most significant in Nigeria’s post-independence political history.
It is still viewed as the freest, fairest, and most peaceful election ever held in Nigeria and it is celebrated today by all Nigerians in the country and in the diaspora.
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In Imo state, the Democracy day celebrations converged all political bigwigs and stakeholders together, and to honor the ceremony, the Governor, His Excellency Senator Hope Uzodinma delivered a wonderful speech where he talked about the significance of the occasion and why it should be taken very seriously by every Imolite.
Responding to the Governor’s Speech, Special Adviser to the Governor on Diaspora, Hon. Cllr. Celia Osakwe-Hibbert wished all Imo indigenes living at Home and in Diaspora a happy Democracy day celebration.
She also expressed optimism in the Governor’s speech while quoting that “indeed a new Imo is now possible”.
Hon. Celia continued by saying that Diasporans are ready to embrace a ‘Hopeful’ future, as the Governor has promised an independent judiciary and State Assembly and Diasporans will very much appreciate this commitment” and she is also looking forward to helping the diasporans use this new endeavour their advantage.
She concluded by also talking about the relevance of the Democracy day and how far the state has come under democratic rule.
Democracy Day marks 21 years of uninterrupted civil administration but for many they are ready for a more shift beyond mere ‘democracy’.
Indigenes are long overdue to enjoy dividends of democracy and Imo is hopeful that the time surely is now!
AFRICA DAILY NEWS, NEW YORK
