…Anyaoku, others lay wreath at Abiola’s Lagos home

Heroes of Nigerian democracy got due recognition yesterday from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

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He hosted them to a state banquet after paying them tributes in his Democracy Day broadcast.

The President reviewed a full military parade to hallmark the day at the iconic Eagle Square in Abuja.

He led eminent Nigerians to the event, which also commemorated the country’s 25th Democracy Day anniversary.

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Former President Muhammadu Buhari declared June 12 Democracy Day to commemorate the 1993 presidential election won by business mogul Moshood Abiola, who was denied the fruit of his victory by the then military government of Gen. Ibrahim Babangida.

The election was annulled and democratic structures were erased to terminate the bourgeoning Third Republic.

Abiola, who declared himself president in the heat of the struggle for his mandate, was arrested, put on trial for treason. He eventually died in the custody of the military government in 1998.

The country never witnessed democracy until 1999, when the Fourth Republic commenced.

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May 29 made it 25 years of unbroken civil rule since independence in 1960 – the longest, but celebrations were put forward to yesterday.

Those President Tinubu named in his broadcast are Chief Anthony Enahoro, Chief Abraham Adesanya, Commodore Dan Suleiman, Chief Arthur Nwankwo, Chief Chukwuemeka Ezeife, Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu, Chief Frank Kokori, Chief Bola Ige, Chief Adekunle Ajasin, Chief Ganiyu Dawodu, Chief Ayo Fasanmi, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, Chief Olabiyi Durojaiye, Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti, Chima Ubani, and others who have transited to the higher realm.

He recognised the sacrifices of General Alani Akinrinade, Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi, Prof. Wole Soyinka, Chief Ralph Obioha and Chief Cornelius Adebayo, saying for at least six years, they bore the pains and difficulties of life in exile.

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The President said while the exiled pro-democracy activists kept the fire burning, their comrades at home sustained the pressure on the military brass hats.

Among the latter, he said, are Dr Olisa Agbakoba, Femi Falana, Abdul Oroh, Senator Shehu Sani, Governor Uba Sani, Chief Olu Falae, and other National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) leaders such as Chief Ayo Adebanjo and Chief Ayo Opadokun.

“The sacrifices they made, and the precious gift brought about by their selfless devotion can never be repaid. Neither shall it be forgotten,” President Tinubu said.

The President was accompanied to the ceremony by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.

They arrived at the venue at about 10:03 am and were received by dignitaries, led by Vice President Kashim Shettima.

The President immediately took the salute from the Commander of the Brigade of Guards.

He stood for the National Anthem at the saluting dais, after which he mounted the open-roof parade inspection vehicle, which conveyed him around the square.

He waved at citizens who came to celebrate democracy.

Guests donning colourful attires trooped into the arena to witness the ceremonial activities.

Troops drawn from the Guards Brigade, joined by personnel of the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force and elements of the Nigerian Police Force provided a military parade and entertained dignitaries, including members of the diplomatic corps.

Before the arrival of President Tinubu, other senior government officials, including the Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) George Akume, as well as members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), had been received to the state box.

The highlights of this year’s anniversary included the various military drills performed by the armed forces and the police, a special drill by the Brigade of Guards, displays by mass bands and cultural troupes, and the unveiling of the world’s largest canvas painting portrait of President Tinubu.

There was a minor incident when President Tinubu stepped on his flowing outer gown (agbada) and tripped forward into the open-roof parade inspection vehicle.

He was helped up by security and protocol aides and continued with the proceedings.

The video of the incident went viral on social media.

The President made a joke of the slip during his speech at the banquet.

He said: “Early this (yesterday) morning, I had a swagger and it’s on the social media. They’re confused as to whether I was doing ‘buga’ (a type of dance) or ‘babaringa’ (folding the agbada).

“But it is the day to celebrate democracy while doing dobale (prostration) for the day. I’m a traditionally Yoruba boy; I did my dobale.”

Reacting to the incident, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on his verified X handle, @aonanuga1956, stated: “Tinubu is not a Superman. He is human like all of us. President Biden has had several slips in the last three years. Even the younger Barack Obama slipped while President. Political leaders are human. Slipping should not detract from the import of Democracy Day celebration.”

Former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, in a tweet, also cautioned against unpleasant comments, saying: “We achieve nothing by gloating about an accident that could well happen to any of us. We are all human beings…”

President Tinubu, after the tasks, exchanged pleasantries with dignitaries before being ushered into the waiting vehicle.

Also at the event were Deputy President of the Senate, Jibrin Barau; Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu; Chief Justice of Nigeria Olukayode Ariwoola; former Vice President Babagana Kingibe; National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu; Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila; Wife of the Vice President Nana Shettima; and Chief of Defense Staff Gen. Christopher Musa.

Others were the ministers of Finance Wale Edun; Budget and Economic Planning Atiku Bagudu; Solid Minerals, Dele Alake; Defense Abubakar Badaru; FCT, Nyesom Wike; Power, Adebayo Adelabu; Youth, Jemila Ibrahim-Bio; and Youth (State), Ayodele Olawande, and eminent scholar Prof. Adebayo William.

Also at the event were the pioneer National Chairman of the ruling All Progress Congress (APC) Chief Bisi Akande; former Ogun State Governor, Chief Olusegun Osoba, among others.

Democracy Day events were also held in some state capitals, such as Lagos, which had multiple activities; Ogun, the home state of the late Abiola and Benue, where the Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia staged a walk.

Military reaffirms loyalty to constitution

The military high command reaffirmed its “unwavering commitment and loyalty of the Armed Forces to the Constitution and the President, Commander-in-Chief.”

Gen. Musa expressed this in his message marking Democracy Day.

In the statement by the Acting Director of Defence Information, Brig.-Gen. Tukur Gusau, the CDS said: “The AFN remains dedicated to supporting and strengthening democracy for the benefit of all Nigerians as we shall continue to collaborate with national and sub-national institutions to entrench constitutional governance.”

The CDS acknowledged the sacrifices made by members of the Armed Forces in various theatres of operation across the country, which he said was evidence of their commitment to national unity and growth.

He urged military personnel to uphold the tenets of democracy, safeguard citizens’ rights, and ensure a peaceful and secure environment for all.

While ensuring that victory is insight against terrorism, banditry and other forms of criminalities in the country, Gen. Musa urged Nigerians to remain positive and support the military in the fight against criminality.

APC: Betters days ahead

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) assured Nigerians of better days ahead.

National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, said in a statement: “On the occasion of democracy’s silver jubilee, it is remarkably auspicious that our country is under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a veteran advocate and defender of democracy, an exemplary progressive and visionary whose contributions to the enthronement of democracy and nation building is simply monumental.

“The Tinubu Administration has made impressive gains revamping our infrastructure to support the massive expansion of the Nigerian economy, implemented multi-sector reforms to remove age-long debilitating policy distortions and contradictions in the economy, tackled insecurity and revitalised the country’s security architecture, channelled resources to important social investments and poverty alleviation initiatives, initiated constructive engagements with relevant stakeholders aimed at achieving better wages and living standards for citizens.

“President Tinubu’s bold target of building a $1 trillion economy for Nigeria in a few short years received amplified validation by the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) with its recent forecast that Nigeria’s economy would be nearly $2 trillion by 2029.

“There can be no better indication that the Renewed Hope Agenda is right on course and that our best days are ahead.”

CAN: Democracy best form of government

The National leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) restated its faith in democracy.

A statement by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, reads: “Our democracy has been tested by the fires of adversity, from the struggles of its early years to the present-day trials of insecurity, economic hardship, and social injustice.

“Nevertheless, we remain steadfast in our belief that democracy is the best form of government for our nation.

“However, we must acknowledge that our democracy still faces significant challenges. Insecurity, economic hardship, and social injustice continue to afflict our citizens.

“We emphasise the importance of integrity, transparency, and accountability in governance.

“Our leaders must recognise that power is a sacred trust, and they will be held accountable for their actions.

“We also stress the need for unity and inclusivity, recognising the value of our diverse ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds.

“Let us work together to build a stronger, more just Nigeria, where everyone has a voice and equal opportunities.”

Nation