Nigeria: Democracy Day - the Essence of June 12

12 June 2019
editorial

As Nigerians mark Democracy Day, President Muhammadu Buhari must begin to define his legacies to align not only with his governance and immediate stewardship but also with the mood of a nation that is in dire need of healing. This is against the background that when he was sworn in for a second term on 29th May this year, the president broke tradition by not delivering an inaugural address. The excuse was that he chose today (June 12) to address Nigerians on the policy thrust of his administration for the next four years.

Therefore, the essence of June 12 should not be lost on the president. Strictly interpreted, it was more than the date of an election. On that day, as we stated in the past, Nigerians defied faith, ethnicity and nativism to speak with one voice on the choice of national leadership. The summary of the June 12 challenge for the nation and in particular the Buhari administration is to embrace the spirit of inclusiveness and justice for all Nigerians. These values transcend pomp and mere symbolism.

...

AllAfrica publishes around 500 reports a day from more than 100 news organizations and over 500 other institutions and individuals, representing a diversity of positions on every topic. We publish news and views ranging from vigorous opponents of governments to government publications and spokespersons. Publishers named above each report are responsible for their own content, which AllAfrica does not have the legal right to edit or correct.

Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica. To address comments or complaints, please Contact us.