As part of preparations to mark this year’s June 12 Democracy Day celebration, former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar; former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi; and former presidential candidate of New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Dr Rabiu Musa Kwakwanso, are scheduled to address Nigerians at a national democracy rally in Lagos.
The event, organised by The Patriots, an eminent group of leaders of thought in Nigeria in collaboration with the June 12 Pro Democracy Movement of Nigeria, will also canvass for, what they call, a peoples’ constitution, and pay tribute to late Chief MKO Abiola and other heroes and heroines of the June 12 democratic struggle.
Democracy Day symbolizes the restoration of democracy in 1999 as commemorated on June 12, which is the day, in 1993, that Late Abiola’s presidential electoral victory was wrongly cancelled.
Until 2018, the day was celebrated annually on May 29 even though Lagos and other South West states celebrated what was formerly called Abiola Day on June 12.
However, according to a statement by the planning committee for the 2024 annual Democracy Day Anniversary, the event will be a major national democracy rally for a people’s constitution in Nigeria with the theme: “Securing the Future of Nigeria through a Democratic People’s Constitution.”
The statement signed by the chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC), Prof Anthony Kila, said the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu will address the national rally which will be chaired by former secretary general of the Commonwealth of Nations and chairman of the Patriots, Chief Emeka Anyaoku.
Others listed to give a goodwill message are, Dr Olisa Agbakoba SAN, Former President of the NBA, Prof Attahiru Jega, Former Chairman of INEC and Senator Shehu Sanni are also expected to lead the anniversary conversation on securing the future of Nigeria through a democratic constitution reform process.
Nobel Laureate, Prof Wole Soyinka, who was earlier scheduled to provide the keynote address at the occasion has now been replaced, due to very pressing engagements and his place taken by former governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi and Former Military Governor of Kaduna State and June 12 Activist, Col Umar Dangiwa, who are respectively billed to pioneer broad interventions on the anniversary theme tagged “Securing the Future of Nigeria through a democratic People’s Constitution,” the statement added.
It however added that leading pro democracy stakeholders and activists in the country, who are invited to x ray and discuss the key note submissions at the event are Prof Pat Utomi, Barr Femi Falana, SAN, Dr Oby Ezekwesili, Prof Jibrin Ibrahim, Amb (Hon) Nkoyo Toyo, Alhaji Shettima Yerima, Otunba Dele Momodu, Hajia (Dr) Bilikisu Magoro, Ann Kio Briggs.
It also noted that special interventions and remarks are to be provided at the national colloquium by notable leaders of thought and political leaders, who include, General Alabi Akinriade, General Ike Nwachukwu, Elder Solomon Asemota, SAN, Dr Kalu Idika Kalu, Obong Victor Attah, Prof Anya O Anya, Rt Hon Aminu Tambuwal, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, Rt Hon Rotimi Amaechi, Mr Donald Duke, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, Prof Mike Ozekhome, SAN.
Others are the president of the NLC, Comrade Joe Ajaero, president of TUC, Comrade Festus Osifo, Prof Okey Ikechukwu, the National Youth Leader of the 3rd Force, Abayomi Rotimi Mighty, Obongawan Barbara Etim-James, Deacon Chris Iyovwaye and Veteran Olawale Okunniyi (Veteran Che), general secretary of The Patriots.
“A roll call of Honours for nominated Heroes and Heroines of the present democratic rule in Nigeria will also be undertaken by the conveners at the historic event.
“Finally, this year’s anniversary celebration, as scheduled by the Local Organising Committee, LOC, will be rounded off with a colourful motorcade procession from the Venue of the national democracy rally for a people’s constitution for Nigeria in Alausa to the residence of the martyr of the current Nigeria’s Democracy, Chief MKO Abiola, off Toyin Street in Ikeja Lagos, where Prayers for the repose of the souls of departed Heroes and Heroines of Democracy and Tributes as well as the Laying of the annual Wreath of Honour in their memories will be jointly carried out with members of the MKO Abiola family,” the statement added.
