*Tinubu, Shettima, Senate President, Speaker, First Lady, SGF, others grace event
By Obaike Ode-Ihue, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday, June 12, led Nigerians to celebrate the nation’s 25 years of unbroken democracy at the Eagle Square, Abuja.
Though there was initial resistance by some politicians opposed to the idea of changing Democracy Day from May 29, when the military exited the political leadership stage, to June 12 being the date of the annulled presidential election in 1993, the Federal Government eventually approved the new date.
Since the approval about five years ago, therefore, Democracy Day has been separately marked from the May 29 date of inauguration of democratic government at all levels in the country.
Accompanied by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi, to the ceremonial event, Tinubu arrived at the Eagle Square at about 10:03am and was received by dignitaries, led by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
He immediately took salute from the Commander of the Brigade of Guards, stood for the National Anthem in the soapbox, after which he mounted the open-roof state car, which conveyed him round the square, waving at citizens who came to celebrate the day.
Troops from the Guards Brigade, joined by personnel of the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air force and the Nigeria Police Force provided a splendid military parade and entertained dignitaries at the event.
Despite the declaration of June 12 a public holiday, Nigerians from all walks of life trooped into the arena to witness the ceremonial activities marking the restoration of democracy in the country.
Before the arrival of President Tinubu, however, other senior government officials, including the Vice President, the President of the Senate, Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), as well as members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), had been received to the state box.
President Tinubu had earlier in a nationwide broadcast to commemorate the Democracy Day reassured citizens that his administration’s economic reforms would yield a stronger economy, providing access to economic opportunities and fair compensation for all Nigerians.
He acknowledged the country’s economic difficulties and the need for reform, emphasising that the reforms were necessary to create a balanced economy that would no longer be reliant on oil revenues.
Tinubu had also disclosed that with the minimum wage negotiations concluded, his administration would soon be sending an executive Bill to the National Assembly in that regard, even as he promised to continue listening to the people and working towards a Nigeria where no one is oppressed.
The President also reaffirmed his commitment to protecting and preserving the country’s democratic system, describing it as
the best form of governance in the long run, even as he warned that some individuals may try to exploit current difficulties to undermine democracy and urged Nigerians to remain vigilant.
