Nigerians know that 12 June is a date set aside to commemorate the restoration of democracy in 1999. This Democracy Day is a national public holiday in Nigeria.
Until 2018, this holiday was celebrated annually on May 29. The holiday first started out as Abiola Day, celebrated in Lagos and some south western states of Nigeria. But in recent times it is seen as the first step in the country’s democracy.
Many Nigerians see this day as an opportunity to reclaim their freedom from oppression and bad governance.
Some days ago, workers and students associations planned to take part in a peaceful nationwide on June 12, as reported by Arise Television.
The protest is aimed at fighting bad governance, hardship, and hunger in Nigeria.
Omoyele Sowore also posted times and location for the protest on his X account.
According to reports, the protest will hold in Delta State, Oyo State, Lagos State, and Osun State.
The Nigeria Police Force, NPF has also warned the members of the public against nationwide violent protests. This warning came hours before this year’s June 12 Democracy Day celebration.
According to a statement by Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Assistant Commissioner of Police, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, “Following recent moves by some groups mobilizing for a mass protest nationwide, the Nigeria Police Force reiterate that the right of citizens to protest is a right to peaceful protest only.
“The Nigeria police will protect the rights of all citizens including those on peaceful protest but will not look on to see the rights of other citizens being violated. No decent society anywhere in the world will tolerate violent destruction of lives and properties in the name of a protest.”
