Nwosu commends Buhari for designating June 12 Democracy Day

THE Chairman of the defunct National Electoral Commission, Professor Humphrey Nwosu has commended President Muhammadu Buhari for recognising June 12 as Nigeria’s Democracy Day and for honouring the memory of Chief MKO Abiola, he noted won the 1993 election.

In a letter to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, Professor Nwosu, who presided over the polls later annulled by the military junta, said the conferment of national honours on Chief Abiola and his running mate, Amb. Babagana Kingibe “will rekindle the national consciousness of all Nigerians for a better nation.”

Nwosu, however, explained that because of circumstances beyond his immediate control, he would not be able the attend the investiture scheduled to hold tomorrow (June 12) at the Presidential Villa, as he is currently outside the country.

The SGF had earlier extended the invitation to him alongside other dignitaries and some pro-democracy activists to attend the ceremony.

The letter reads: “I thank His Excellency, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari and the Federal Government of Nigeria for recognising June 12 as Democracy Day and also honouring the winner of June 12, 1993, presidential election, Chief M.K.O. Abiola.

“Indeed, June 12, 1993, marked a turning point in Nigeria’s tortuous journey towards a democratic polity. It is an honour to the very hard-working men and women of the defunct National Electoral Commission under my leadership at this long-awaited recognition.

I humbly commend this action by the President.

“Undoubtedly, the democratic system of governance is the best especially for the multi-ethnic nation like ours.

I thank you for building on the foundation which my team and I laboured strenuously to establish and actualise on June 12, 1993.

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“It is our hope that expanding the frontiers of democracy of which all the people of Nigeria, regardless of ethnic group, will provide economic, social and developmental benefits that will certainly make Nigeria a great nation not only in Africa but across the world.

“Certainly, the scheduled event on Tuesday, June 12, 2018, will rekindle the national consciousness of all Nigerians for a better Nation.

“Unfortunately, due to circumstances beyond my control I will not be present at the investiture ceremony as I am outside the country,” he wrote.