BACKGROUND
Celebration of democracy day in Nigeria dates back to 1999 after the sudden death of the previous milliatry ruler, General Sani Abacha on the 8th of June 1998. General Abdusalami Abubakar succeeded Late General Sani Abacha, taking over office as the 11th Head of State of Nigeria.
GENERAL ABDULSALAMI ABUBAKAR
His tenure lasted for less than a year from 9 June 1998 – 29 May 1999 . General Abdulsalam Abubakar transferred power to president-elect General Olusegun Obasanjo on 29 May 1999. That is why 29th of May every year Nigeria and her citizens celebrate democracy day to mark the end of military rule and the beginning of a new era of democracy by civilians.
For 18 years now, Nigeria has enjoyed freedom from the military, enjoying her nascent democracy, which has not been without its numerous challenges. This year, 2017, the message for democracy day delivered by Acting President Yemi Osibanjo, enjoins every citizen to sacrifice in order to make Nigeria great again . He said
“The nation requires those that can make the sacrifices to make it great. They are those whom Jesus spoke about; people that may not be of note but are prepared to make the nation great again. Some are doctors, teachers, young graduates.
“There is sacrifice of integrity against corruption. When you speak against corruption , it fights back so you must be ready to make sacrifice no matter how highly placed or small you are. Teachers who are prepared to teach, doctors who are prepared to provide health services no matter what.
“Make the sacrifices required to make our nation great whether you are a leader or a follower.”
I AM
AND SAY
NIGERIA'S NATIONAL ANTHEM
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