Today we celebrate the day for democracy in our country Nigeria. Proud to be a Nigerian. Even though we have not been blessed with faithful leaders in this nation, we still hold unto the hope that things will work out for good for this country. We all will be rejoicing. Who says Nigeria can’t feed children in school? Who says we can’t have 24hrs power supply? Who says unemployed youths can’t be paid? in bad faith and previous records held, its a No; but this is a new era. We have the hope and belief that this nation will rise from its ashes and be great again.
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.
Nigeria has always been the giant of Africa. Despite the ups and downs, we will still be proud to say anywhere in the world that we belong to this great Country. No nation is not without its problems. Good leaders is just we need and this country will be one we can boast of again. Nigeria will stay long and strong no matter the heavy wind of internal crises and external torments. This nation will stand tall in spite all odds. Infrastructures, economy, governance does not make a nation great. What does is the goodness and peace of mind of its citizens. Nigeria is blessed with this, and it will continue to be.
Great peace, abundance, strife free and prosperous is what we say and decree into this nation this day. Democracy will surely work for this nation. Our leaders will lead a right. That is our hope, prayer and belief, now and always. Let the good things start from you as I say happy democracy day celebrations.
