Every June 12th, Nigeria bursts into a vibrant celebration of Democracy Day. This national public holiday isn’t just a day off work; it’s a day steeped in history, a reminder of the country’s long road to democratic rule. This year is the 25th the country is enjoying.
Prior to 2018, Democracy Day was celebrated on May 29th, marking the inauguration of the first civilian president after a period of military rule. However, in 2018, a significant shift occurred. June 12th was declared the new official date to commemorate Democracy Day. Why the change?
The answer lies in a pivotal moment in Nigerian history – the 1993 presidential election. Widely considered the freest and fairest election in the country’s history, it saw Moshood Abiola emerge as the clear winner. However, the results were annulled by the military government, sparking outrage and igniting a yearning for true democracy.
June 12th, therefore, became a symbol of the Nigerian people’s fight for their right to choose their leaders. Recognizing this significance, the government declared it the official Democracy Day, honoring the spirit of that election and the sacrifices made on the path to democracy.
But Democracy Day isn’t just about looking back. It’s a day of reflection on the present state of democracy in Nigeria. Nigerians come together to discuss the strengths and weaknesses of their democratic institutions, the challenges they face, and their hopes for the future. Open discussions are held, often accompanied by parades, speeches, and cultural performances.
The day is also a call to action. It reminds Nigerians of their responsibility in upholding democracy. This includes actively participating in the democratic process – by voting, holding leaders accountable, and speaking out against injustice.
The sky over Nigeria may look cloudy with mismanagement and inflation taking a big toll on the citizens but after the storm, comes the morning. We must continue to push on until we get there. We can’t give up now.
Democracy Day in Nigeria is a tapestry woven with the threads of history, reflection, and hope. It’s a day to celebrate the hard-won freedoms, acknowledge the ongoing challenges, and recommit to building a stronger, more just democracy for all Nigerians.
Happy Democracy Day from all of us at Omenma Hotels.
