President Bola Tinubu is expected to lead a walk to commemorate 25 years of Nigeria’s unbroken democracy on 29th May.
Unlike the previous civilian administrations, Nigeria’s Fourth Republic has remained unbroken since the then General Olusegun Obasanjo (rtd.) was sworn in as President on 29th May 1999. At the completion of a maximum two-term of four years each in 2007, he was succeeded by Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, who died in office and was constitutionally replaced by his deputy, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan.
In the 2015 presidential election, the then Major General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd.) defeated Jonathan and was reelected in 2019. On 29th May 2023, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu succeeded him to run his four-year mandate.
The group said the Abuja leg of the walk would be led by the President, accompanied by his vice, Senator Kashim Shettima.
The National Democracy Solidarity Walk would take place concurrently across 36 states and Abuja on the day.
In a statement on Tuesday, NDSG Chairman, Dr Kletsaint Akor said that, as the cornerstone event of Nigeria’s Democracy Week, the fifth National Democracy Solidarity Walk holds special significance.
The statement read: “This symbolic walk will bring together citizens from all walks of life to celebrate the spirit of democracy and reflect on its enduring importance.
“The week-long celebration built around the June 12th annual democracy day will feature a diverse array of activities aimed at fostering dialogue, promoting civic engagement, and advancing democratic ideals and culture”.
According to Akor, President Tinubu and Shettima would be supported by other esteemed dignitaries, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Chief Justice of the Federation, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola; and the Speaker of the House Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas..
He stated that celebrating 25 years of sustained democracy defined the resolve and doggedness of a people towards the ideals of the best form of government.
According to him, the significant achievement is made possible through the unwavering commitment of the Nigerian people to democratic principles, no matter the unsettling hiccups, which calls for a momentous commemoration.
The statement added: “The Nigeria Democracy Week, scheduled to take place from June 10th to 14th, 2024, will serve as a platform to honour this remarkable journey and reaffirm our collective dedication to democratic governance.
“In the light of this auspicious occasion, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and all Nigerians for their steadfast support of democracy and their tireless efforts in upholding its values.
“Highlights include the launch of the NDSG Book Chain. The Book Chain is a monumental research work detailing Nigeria’s governance culture from the pre-colonial era to the present, and the visions and activities of all the dramatis personae in the sphere”.
Akor stated that the book chain topics centered on presidents, first ladies, and other prominent leaders.
