The Federal government of Nigerian has finally declared June 12 of every year as Democracy Day instead of May 29th which had annually been celebrated .
President Muhammadu Buhari made the declaration in a statement issued on Wednesday, stating the significance of June 12, 1993.
He personally signed the statement.
June 12, 1993 was the day Nigerians embarked on a presidential election described as the freest and fairest in the annals of the country.
Politician, businessman and philanthropist, Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola was the winner of the election.
However, the military government of President Ibrahim Babangida, annulled the election leading to an unprecedented and protracted political upheavals in the country.
Also, Abiola, was honoured posthumously with the highest honour in the land, Grand Commander of the Federal Republic, GCFR.
His running mate, Ambassador Babagana Kingibe, bags a Grand Commander of the Order of Niger, GCON.
Lawyer and human rights activist, Gani Fawehinmi, who fought tirelessly for the return of the June 12 mandate to Abiola, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, was also honoured posthumously.
He was honoured with a GCON.
Below is the statement by President Buhari:
