12th June, 2012
Mr. John Dara, the Chairman, Board of Trustees of National Transformation Party (NTP) on Monday described June 12 as a landmark in the country’s democracy.
Dara made the remarks in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.
“June 12 is a significant day in the country as it is a landmark for the handing over of power to democratically elected governance in Nigeria.
“It is worth celebrating for those involved in the struggle.
“In some parts of the country, some people will want to celebrate the day as a special day, it is their right in the spirit of federalism,” he said.
Dara said that May 29 declared as Democracy Day in Nigeria by the Federal Government should remain and not June 12.
According to him, May 29 represents the day the military restored democracy, while June 12 should be celebrated for its contribution toward the progress of democracy in the country.
“Martin Lurther King for many years was not celebrated as national holiday and after a while there was consensus for it to be made so.
“May be June 12 will be declared as a national holiday in the country in the future,” Dara said.
NAN reports that on June 12, 1993, the presidential election won by MKO Abiola, described generally as the freest and fairest was annulled by the military regime.