Buhari Declares June 12 Democracy Day, Confers Posthumous GCFR On Abiola

President Muhammadu Buhari has announced June 12 as the new Democracy Day in Nigeria, just as he also conferred a posthumous national honour of Grand Commander of The Federal Republic, GCFR title on the presumed winner of June 12, 1993 presidential election, Chief M.K.O Abiola.

The President in a tweet on his official handle explained that June 12 is to replace May 29 because it more symbolic a 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,” President Buhari tweeted.

He added, “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.”

President Buhari also conferred a national honour on Ambassador Babagana Kingibe, who was the running mate to Chief Abiola, and as well recognised late Chief Gani Fawehinmi for his role in the actualisation of the 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,” the President also tweeted.

Buhari further affirmed June 12, 1993 election as 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 government does not detract from its democratic credentials,” he said.

The President disclosed that the commemoration and investiture will take place on Tuesday, June 12, 2018, “a date which in future years will replace May 29 as a National Public holiday in the celebration of Nigeria’s Democracy Day.”