Hon. (Barr.) Asiwaju Yinka Mafe (OGHA) Majority Leader Wishes All Nigerians A Happy Democracy Day.

Hon. (Barr.) Asiwaju Yinka Mafe (OGHA) Majority Leader Wishes All Nigerians A Happy Democracy Day. 

Published May 29, 2018.

Happy democracy day to all Nigerians home and diaspora.

Democracy is a government of the people, by the people, and for the people. 

Democracy Day is a public holiday in Nigeria. It is held annually on May 29. This public holiday commemorates the restoration of democracy in the Federal Republic of Nigeria, when the newly elected Olusegun Obasanjo took office as the President of Nigeria in May 1999 ending multiple decades of military rule that began in 1966 and had been interrupted only by a brief period of democracy from 1979 to 1983.

After gaining independence in 1960 from Great Britain, Nigeria fell prey to civil war and the first of so many military coups in 1966. Democracy was briefly restored from 1979 to 1983 to the country, but for most of its independent history, Nigeria was ruled by a series of military juntas. 

The last major military ruler, Gen. Sani Abacha, died suddenly in 1998. His successor, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar promised a transition to democracy, and accordingly a new constitution was adopted on May 5th, 1999. Elections were held and retired Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo, who had previously governed Nigeria as a military ruler, was elected the new president.

The end of military rule brought about a new era of regular elections as well as the return of civil liberties, free press and an end to arbitrary arrests and torture, although human rights violations still occur regularly. Nigeria also began a long campaign against the bureaucratic and military corruption that had paralyzed its economy and severely tarnished its international reputation.

We can not but remember the fallen heroes, those who have fought and contributed to the democracy that we all are enjoying today, the likes of Dr Nnamdi Azikwe, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Chief MKO Abiola, etc all of blessed memories. May their souls continue to rest in peace. 

We all want a better nation, only few people know that this is a task for us all and not just one person. We should pull our resources together to have a nation that we all dream of. Also, Our youths should be given an opportunity to participate in politics so as to attain a position of power. In view of this, support Hon. (Barr.) Asiwaju Yinka Mafe for member, house of representatives,  Remo federal constituency come 2019 general elections. 

Still on the matter... #MafeLafeLabuja2019!