FG inaugurates Democracy Day committee, hails MKO Abiola’s sacrifices

Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume. Photo: X/George Akume

The Federal Government on Tuesday inaugurated an Inter-Ministerial Committee to coordinate activities for the 27th Democracy Day celebration, while paying tribute to the late Chief Moshood Abiola and other heroes of the June 12 struggle. A statement by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation’s media aide, Yomi Odunuga, said the SGF, George Akume, noted that Democracy Day provides an opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices made by Nigerians who fought for democratic governance. Akume described the June 12 anniversary as a significant moment to honour those who contributed to Nigeria’s democratic journey. “The democratic values and institutions being strengthened across the country today are founded on the sacrifices and struggles of patriots and democrats who fought for the enthronement of democratic rule in Nigeria,” he said. The SGF paid tribute to the heroes of the June 12, 1993, struggle and particularly to the late MKO Abiola, whose sacrifice and commitment to democracy, he said, led to the recognition of June 12 as Democracy Day. According to him, commemorating Democracy Day remains a fitting way of honouring their memory while celebrating Nigeria’s democratic progress. Akume also said the celebration would provide an opportunity for the Federal Government to showcase its achievements and reaffirm its commitment to democratic ideals, institutional strengthening and national development. He noted that President Bola Tinubu’s administration would use the occasion to demonstrate progress made in consolidating democracy, strengthening institutions and implementing reforms despite prevailing socio-economic challenges. Related News Tinubu celebrates longtime ally Yusuf Ali at 90 Tinubu hails MOFI’s delivery of N128bn mortgages to 1,859 families End terrorism within 90 days or quit, Adeboye tells service chiefs With only 10 days to the anniversary, Akume directed members of the committee to begin work immediately to ensure the successful execution of all approved activities. He added that the celebration would be “modest but purposeful” in line with the government’s commitment to fiscal responsibility. The SGF announced that activities lined up for the celebration include a World Press Conference on June 4, Special Juma’at Prayers on June 5, an Inter-denominational Church Service on June 7, a Democracy Day Public Lecture on June 9, Youth and Women-Oriented Programmes on June 10, a Presidential Broadcast on June 12, a Joint National Assembly Address by Pre