JUST IN: June 12 affords us the opportunities to reflect on sacrifices of our national heroes, says Akume
Kunle Sanni
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, (SGF) George Akume says the marking of June 12 celebrations reflect on the contributions and sacrifices of our national heroes.
He said this on Tuesday while speaking at the Presidential Villa old Banquet hall in Abuja, in commiseration of Democracy Day.
The event had in attendance of former president Goodluck Jonathan.
On June 7, 2018, former President Muhammadu Buhari directed that June 12 would be recognized as Democracy Day, instead of the previous date of May 29.
The action was taken in honour of late politician and business mogul Moshood Abiola, the winner of the annulled June 12, 1993, presidential election, with the highest national honor, the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic.
This year, the Minister of the Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, declared June 12 as a public holiday ahead of Democracy Day.
In his speech, Akume emphasized that the day was selected as a special tribute to the nation’s heroes who sacrificed for freedom and upheld the fragile promise of democracy.
He mentioned that the celebrations provide a chance for our nation and its government to commend the bravery and dedication of Nigerians, as they have stayed resolute and upheld democratic values despite the numerous challenges confronting our nation and the entire West African sub-region.
He said, “This celebration affords us the opportunity to reflect on the contributions and sacrifices of our national heroes and heroines who fought for the entrenchment of democratic rule in our dear country. Many of them paid supreme sacrifices while others were forced into exile or detained for years. Some of those who survived the onslaught have continued to play key roles in our democracy.
“Today’s event provides us with opportunities as a nation and as a government to salute the courage and commitment of Nigerians for remaining steadfast and for believing in the values of democracy despite numerous challenges facing our nation and the West African sub-region as a whole.
