Declaration
By Aminu Ahmed Garko
Minna, June 8, 2018 (NAN) Alhaji Kabiru Bawa, a chieftain of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Niger State says the declaration of June 12 as Democracy Day has set the tone for genuine restoration in Nigeria.
Bawa said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Minna on Friday.
It would be recalled that President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday announced the replacement of May 29 with June 12 as Nigeria’s Democracy Day beginning from 2019.
Buhari also awarded the nation’s highest honour, Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR), to the late Chief MKO Abiola, the presumed winner of the 1993 June 12 presidential election.
That election has been adjudged the most free and fair elections ever conducted in Nigeria.
Bawa said that many Nigerians had been expecting the decision since the inception of the present administration.
“I wholeheartedly commend President Muhammadu Buhari for the bold step, adding that the action would strengthen our corporate existence as a nation.
“The president has demonstrated that he is an advocate of justice and fairness to the yearnings and aspirations of Nigerians.
“I also salute the political courage of Buhari for the honour done Alhaji Baba Gana Kingibe, the running mate to Abiola.’’
Bawa also noted that the decision was one of the best things that happened to the nation’s political history in recent times.
He urged Nigerians to unite in utilising the abundant human and mineral resources at the nation’s disposal to ensure its growth.
“We have all that it takes to maintain our status as the giant of Africa both in human and mineral resources and as a people united,’’ he added. (NAN)
AAG/JIE/NKO
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Edited by Julius Enehi/Nkechi Okoronkwo