Debates as to which day represents Nigeria’s Democracy Day took a clearer dimension on Wednesday as Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, explained why Ekiti State and other state governments recognise June 12 rather than May 29 as the nation’s Democracy day.
Speaking during an interactive session with journalists at the monthly “Meet Your Governor” programme in Ado Ekiti, Governor Fayemi said aside the fact that some of the Governors did not assume office on May 29, June 12 marked the remarkable day Nigerians trooped out to elect a civilian President after a decade of Military interference between 1983 and 1993.
He said though the election which was adjudged the freest and fairest in the history of Nigeria was annulled, the event remained a watershed in the anal of the history of the country.
Dr. Fayemi opined that May 29 was a mere symbolic transition from military to democratic rule, stressing that the struggle for the revalidation of the June 12 election was what gave birth to the democracy being enjoyed in Nigeria today.
He said May 29, given its significance should actually be the nation’s democracy day, adding that there would not have been May 29th, 1999 but for the event of June 12th, 1993.
He said “ many lives were sacrificed on that day and thereafter while fighting for the democratic experience which the nation is witnessing now. It is important to note that without June 12, 1993, there would be no May 29th, 1999.
On various infrastructure developments in Ekiti State, the Governor said the no violator of planning rule would be spared in the ongoing demolition of structure along water ways or those who failed to observe the appropriate distance from the road.
He assured that there would be no sacred cow in the process pointing out that some property owners had gone to court to challenge the planned demolition, a development which according to him is responsible for the delay in demolishing such structures.
Fayemi, however said that owners of properties with Certificate of Occupancy and Plans will be compensated.
Last modified: May 30, 2013
