The Nigerian federal government has announced Monday June 13 as a public holiday to mark this year’s Democracy Day.
Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, who made this announcement on Thursday night also congratulated Nigerians on the occasion which commemorates the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election.
Africa Daily News, New York recalls that the poll, won by the late business mogul M.K.O. Abiola, was canceled by the Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida regime.
Aregbesola urged citizens to support the President Muhammadu Buhari administration in its efforts at ensuring a united and prosperous nation.
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The minister told them to reflect on the journey Nigeria has made for the enthronement of a democratic order and the sacrifices of patriots.
He urged Nigerians to work toward remaining an indivisible entity as no development can take place in an acrimonious environment.
“With the challenges we face in Nigeria today, I see an opportunity for us not to break up or break down, but to break open.”
Argegbesola further appealed to the people to appreciate, understand, honour each other and live together in peace.
Meanwhile, Yahaya Bello of Kogi has expressed worry that Nigeria’s democracy still remains ‘shaky and tottering along like a toddler still learning to walk’, 22 years into the country’s 4th Republic.
Bello, however, listed political stability and social security for the people as major factors needed to thrive in a united Nigeria.
The governor stated this while delivering his goodwill message at the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation’s Policy Dialogue with the theme: ‘Democracy and Unity of State’ held on Friday, in Abuja.
He said that politics and leadership in Nigeria must transform into a service that ensures the quality of life is improved in spite of social status while essential goods and services were made affordable for the masses.
For democracy to thrive, the governor also stressed the need for Nigerians to focus more on how to make democracy work as a united entity rather than a divisive nation.
