The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) has stated that President Muhammadu Buhari demonstrated uncommon democratic principles by declaring June 12 as Democracy Day.
Recall that Buhari, in a statement issued on Wednesday, had moved the Democracy Day celebration from May 29 to June 12.
Buhari held that June 12 1993, the date of the presidential election considered to be the fairest in Nigeria’s history, “was far more symbolic of democracy in the Nigerian context than May 29 or even October 1”.
Reacting, the Chairman of CNPP in Edo state, Mr Roy Oribhabor, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday, said the declaration was a welcome development.
Oribhabor also urged lovers of Nigeria not to read any political meaning to the proclamation.
“For once in Nigeria, a president has shown concern towards the plight of Nigerians who believed in democracy.
“MKO Abiola was a great man of great intellect and lover of the commoners who struggled politically to rewrite and position Nigeria as better society.
“His effort and ambition were truncated by some undemocratic forces.
“Today, MKO Abiola will be happy in the grave and we lovers of democracy are very much happy that the long fight for the realisation of June 12 as Democracy Day has been fulfilled.
“President Buhari has written his name in gold by this honour done MKO Abiola and all lovers of democracy,” Oribhabor said.
He pointed out that some past presidents had the opportunity to declare June 12 as Democracy Day but did not.
Oribhabor, however, urged the president to sustain the legacies of good governance and programmes and policies that are people-oriented.
The CNPP chairman also urged Buhari to implement welfare policies which MKO Abiola promoted.
He enjoined the president to further demonstrate his commitment to tackling killer herdsmen and give hope to Nigerians as preached by the late MKO Abiola, who was acclaimed to have won the June 12, 1993 election.
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