Breaking News: Buhari Declares June 12 As Democracy Day, Confers Posthumous GCFR On Abiola

President Muhammadu Buhari has declared June 12 as the new date to commemorate Democracy Day in Nigeria in honour of Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola.

He also conferred Abiola with the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR).

The President in a tweet on his official handle explained why June 12 will replace May 29. He noted that June 12 is a more symbolic day.

“Dear Nigerians, I am delighted to announce that, after due consultations, the Federal Government has decided that henceforth, June 12 will be celebrated as Democracy Day.

“We have also decided to award posthumously the highest Honour in the land, GCFR, to the late Chief MKO Abiola.

“In the view of Nigerians, as shared by this Administration, June 12, 1993, was and is far more symbolic of Democracy in the Nigerian context than May 29, or even October 1,” his tweet read.

President Buhari also conferred a national honour on Baba Gana Kingibe and recognised late Gani Fawehinmi for his role in the actualisation of June 12 elections.

“Chief Abiola’s running mate, Ambassador Baba Gana Kingibe, is also to be awarded a GCON.

“Furthermore, the late Chief Gani Fawehinmi, SAN, a tireless fighter for human rights and democracy, and for the actualisation of the June 12, 1993 elections, will be posthumously awarded a GCON.”

Buhari said further that, June 12, 1993, election was the freest, fairest and most peaceful election since Nigeria’s Independence.

“June 12, 1993 was the day millions of Nigerians expressed their Democratic will in the freest, fairest and most peaceful elections since our Independence. That the outcome of that election was not upheld by the then military Govt does not detract from its democratic credentials,” he said.