June 12 closer to being the new democracy day
Many Nigerians have an undying resolution that June 12 is a more significant date in relation to the country’s democracy because of the annulled election in 1993.
Late Chief MKO Abiola had been widely adjudged the winner of the election but his mandate was scuppered by then military Head of State Ibrahim Babangida.
In order to commemorate the legacy of that date, a bill jointly sponsored by Rep. Kayode Oladele and Rep. Edward Pwajok (APC-Plateau) was presented at the Federal House of Representative to amend the Public Holidays Act in honour of June 12.
The bill which aims to enact an act that will move Democracy day in Nigeria from its current date, May 29 to June 12, has passed a second reading at the Federal House.
President Buhari had announced in May 2018 that June 12 will be celebrated as the new democracy day, but it was argued that the declaration cannot have any effect unless the National Assembly amends the Public Holidays Act in favour of the new date.
The Speaker of the House, Yakubu Dogara has ruled that the bill be forwarded to the House special committee for further actions.
If the bill is recommended for approval by the committee, the House will then vote for its passage.
