I remember that day - May 29, 1999 - vividly like it was yesterday. It was the day set aside by General Olusegun Obasanjo military regime to transition the country from military to civilian government. It was a day the citizens had longed for but unable to attain due to the failings of the military tenures.
I was a teenager when Nigeria made this transition and people jubilated that day - a day of freedom from oppression and terrors of the military. Citizens appreciated the transition more because the blatant disregard for the rule of law and human life was too high and we needed respect for the fundamental rights entrenched in our constitution.
On 6th June 2018, the present government changed democracy day from 29th May to 12th June in honour of the late Chief Moshood Abiola, the presidential aspirant of the 1993 general elections who should have been president then after garnering the support of most states in Nigeria.
That was when the civilian rule transition would have taken place but the military government then led by General Ibrahim Babangida faulted the only free and fair election ever held in this country, annulled it and consequently, Chief M. Abiola was arrested.
The south-west will never forget 12th June 1993. I believe the government did right by making 12th June democracy day.
I see democracy day as a time to reaffirm the government's core duty - service to the people. If only our government stayed true to this, the people would always come first in every policy and decision made and executed. It is noteworthy that those who make up the government are part of the people. Ultimately, such decisions would affect (and benefit) them too. Alas, this is not the case.
Democracy day in Nigeria should be a day -
To honour the people and publicise the plans of the government towards the country for the year;
To honour the memory of those who died in the process of making things better for this country ;
To honour the service of public office holders who served the people honourably; and,
To allow the youths to express themselves peacefully. Youths are the strength and backbone of any society. We deserve to be heard.
Will our present situation get better?
I am afraid I cannot tell at this point because the ruling class have taken actions these past few years that remind us of the fearful days of the military era.
Am I optimistic about the future?
I want to be or I should be at least for my mental health. May God Help Nigeria.