FG Declares Friday As Public Holiday To Commemorate Democracy Day

The Federal Government has declared Friday a public holiday to mark this year’s Democracy Day celebration.

The announcement was made on Thursday by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, in a statement issued by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Magdalene Ajani.

“June 12 remains a significant day in Nigeria’s history in honour of the courage, resilience and sacrifices of Nigerians whose efforts made democratic governance possible in this country,” the statement reads.

“Their legacy continues to inform the values and responsibilities of the Nigerian state.”

Tunji-Ojo also reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting democracy by promoting the rule of law, transparency, accountability and inclusive governance.

He added that the Ministry of Interior, working with relevant security agencies, would continue to improve internal security across the country to safeguard lives and property.

“A secure and stable environment, the Minister noted, is essential to the health of any democracy and to the broader project of national development,” the minister said.

He encouraged Nigerians to use the public holiday to reflect on the nation’s democratic journey and renew their commitment to obeying the law, supporting democratic institutions and promoting national unity.

“As we mark this historic day, every Nigerian is encouraged to remain law-abiding, uphold the institutions that sustain our democracy, and remember that the strength of any democracy lies ultimately in the character of its citizens,” he said.

Nigeria began observing June 12 as Democracy Day in 2018 after former President Muhammadu Buhari approved the change, replacing the previous date of May 29.

Buhari said the decision was taken to honour the June 12, 1993 presidential election, widely believed to have been won by Moshood Abiola before it was annulled by the military government led by former Head of State Ibrahim Babangida.

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