Reflecting On Nigeria’s Democracy Day: Honoring The Past, Securing The Future

Reflecting On Nigeria’s Democracy Day: Honoring The Past, Securing The Future

As Nigeria will be celebrating her democracy day, on 12 June 2023, it is important that it’s citizens understand and reflect on the significance of June 12 democracy day celebration. How it came to be and also the men and women who have put their lives behind the lines to ensure that Nigeria’s democracy continually stands strong.

The June 12 democracy day is a very significant date in the history of the country as it originated from the presidential election held on 12 of June 1993. The election had two main candidates who were Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, from the Social Democratic Party (SDP), and Alhaji Bashir Tofa, from the National Republican Convention (NRC). According to reports, the election was one of the fairest and most peaceful in Nigerian history, with chief Abiola being the supposed winner of the election

However on 23 June 1993, General Ibrahim Babangida, who was the sitting military president at the time, annulled the election results which prevented Chief Abiola from taking over as the duly elected president of Nigeria. The action of the then military president led to several political unrest and tension in the country. Following the increased criticism and pressure, General Ibrahim Babangida was forced to step down and hand over to an interim government led by Chief Ernest Shonekan.

Little did the government of Chief Ernest Shonekan know that their tenure was going to be short-lived as the government was overthrown in a military coup by General Sani Abacha who was the Chief of Defence Staff, in November 1993. 

The Abacha led government arrested the winner of the June 12 election, who later died in 1998 in prison. 

Lots of events led Nigeria to May 1999, where the then military government, handed over power to a civilian government which was led by Olusegun Obasanjo, which brought the end of military rule in Nigeria and since then, May 29 has been set aside for the celebration of democracy in Nigeria.

In order to honour the late Chief  Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, the government of former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2018, declared June 12 as Democracy Day, replacing May 29, which had been celebrated as Democracy Day since 1999.

Despite the transition from military rule to democratic rule, Nigeria as a country has been faced with several security challenges that have threatened the continuous existence of democracy in the country. Most notable of these security challenges is the Boko Haram terrorist group, who have been responsible for some dastardly killings and bombings in several part of the country. Some of these attacks by this group include; 26 August 2011, where a suicide bomber attacked the United Nations building in Abuja, killing 23 people and injuring many more. On 14 April 2014, two bombs exploded at a crowded station in Nyanya, Abuja killing 88 people and leaving not less than 200 persons injured. On 25 June 2014, the Wuse bombing occurred, which was reported to be a terrorist attack on the Emab plaza in Wuse, a district of Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) of Nigeria. Boko Haram claimed responsibility for it, on 16 June 2011 in what was believed to be the first suicide bomb blast in Nigeria, the Nigerian Police Force headquarters was bombed and the Boko haram sect claimed responsibility for it, among several others.

In the heat of these attacks and with the government of the day dumbfounded on how to tackle these challenges, hope beaconed on Nigeria’s democracy when the government of former president Muhammadu Buhari appointed General Tukur Buratai as the new Army Chief in 2015 to 2021.

Assuming duty as the Chief of Army Staff, General Tukur Buratai dealt a great blow with the Boko Haram sect, thereby providing stability to Nigerian democracy. His tenure coincided with the rise of Boko Haram insurgency, which had plunged the nation into a state of fear and uncertainty.

Yet, armed with an unyielding determination, Buratai spearheaded a transformative campaign to restore peace and stability to the embattled regions.

General Buratai swiftly recognized the need for a multi-faceted approach to combat the insurgency. Under his leadership, the Nigerian Army underwent comprehensive reforms, with emphasis placed on enhancing training, intelligence gathering, and collaboration with international partners. Through Operation Lafiya Dole, he mobilised troops across the frontlines, engaging in fierce battles against Boko Haram insurgents, significantly degrading their capabilities.

In his pursuit of innovation, General Buratai introduced novel initiatives that proved instrumental in bolstering Nigeria’s security architecture. The establishment of the Nigerian Army Special Forces Command was one such strategic move. This elite unit, equipped with advanced training and cutting-edge equipment, emerged as a potent force in counter-insurgency operations, dismantling Boko Haram cells and rescuing countless hostages.

General Buratai recognized the importance of winning hearts and minds in the battle against extremism. The Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) program, implemented during his tenure, sought to foster community engagement, providing humanitarian assistance, and facilitating the return of displaced persons to their homes. By prioritising the welfare of civilians affected by the conflict, Buratai’s approach resonated with the local populace, eroding support for terrorist organisations.

Despite the monumental challenges he faced, General Buratai’s tenure also witnessed significant strides in the fight against banditry, kidnapping, and other criminal activities. His unwavering commitment to ridding Nigeria of these menaces led to the establishment of Operation Sahel Sanity, a joint task force that has made remarkable progress in curbing the activities of armed groups in the Northwest region.

As we mark our democracy day it is pertinent that we place the protection and defence of our democracy in the hands of men and women who have proven their leadership qualities in various capacities over time, so we can continually enjoy the dividend of democracy and live together as one Nigeria.

By Femi Ibitoye publicity secretary BAT Vanguard