Nigeria Marks Democracy Day Without A Ceremony

For the first time in 12 years, May 29 would not be marked with the usual fanfare. The Federal Government has cancelled the 2012 Democracy Day ceremony which would have held in Abuja today to celebrate Nigeria’s return to a democratic government. Since 2000, Nigeria has marked the National Democracy Day in commemoration of the return of civil rule in 1999.

However this year, President Goodluck Jonathan will make a national broadcast at 8 o’clock this morning to mark the anniversary. There will be no pomp celebration.

A statement by the presidential spokesman, Reuben Abati, on Monday said the Jonathan broadcast would be aired live from the President’s office. The President’s speeches in the past have been widely said to have been pre-recorded.

This comes as a relief to most Nigerians who claim that millions of naira is usually spent on such lavish ceremonies which should rather be used for developmental projects in the country.

There was no official reason adduced for cancellation of the Democracy Day activities but there were speculations that the government’s decision was informed by the security situation in the country, especially the fear of terrorists’ attack.

On October 1, 2010, two bombs exploded near the Eagle Square venue of the 50th independence anniversary celebrations, killing many and injuring several others.

Minister of Interior, Abba Moro, confirmed on Monday that there would not be any Democracy Day celebration as was the case every year on account of the “mood of the country.”

“There won’t be any celebration to mark this year’s Democracy Day; it will simply be marked with a national broadcast by the President. It will also involve a symposium where the challenges before the country would be X-rayed.

“The celebration was not cancelled; It is low-key because of the mood of the country.”

This is the first time the ceremony will be shelved since its commencement 12 years ago.

What do you think about the Federal Government’s decision to shelve the Democracy Day celebrations? Is it a good move? What do you think are the reasons for this decision?

Please share your thoughts.

News Source: Punch

Comments

For My G.Ma - Felicia

I never knew I would miss her this much. People never understood why I love Christmas. I didn’t quite get it too – apart from the bursting joy of the birth of Christ, the melodious songs and beautiful decorations; there was more to the super hyper and lovey-dovey feeling I always have this season. So, I was scrolling through my phone gallery and saw the last photo I had with my G.Ma. Oh by the way, Christmas was her birth and death day. I’m writing this because of her. Just to share a bit of her awesomeness with you. That woman was a bad-ass! Reminiscing on my childhood memories with her, I realized she was the reason I love Christmas. I usually spent my Christmas and New-Year holidays with her as a child. She would take me to her church and ask the priest to allow me join other children in the Christmas carol rehearsals and performances. She would take me to the salon and have my hair done and accessorized. I hated making my hair, it was just too stressf...

Life

It seems like the only thing we leave behind besides legacy are the memories we create and imprint in the hearts of the people we love, have met, or cared for. Legacy, in my opinion, is formed out of memories – where we’ve been, the things that we did, our goals and accomplishments, even failures. The older I get, the more I think I’m beginning to understand the true essence of life. I hope I do. One moment, the people we love, know, or care about are here and the next they are gone. Tell me again, why we clench our fists as a new-born and let it all out when we leave? Or why we make loud noises in the announcement of our arrival and walk away in silence, sometimes without notice. Is life that meaningless, as the words of the king in Jerusalem, son of David? I never entirely fully agreed with some of his words in Ecclesiastes, the idea of it is very understandable though, actually very deep for one who has seen it all, I suppose. ‘One generation goes its way, the next one...

5 Ways 2 Positive Thinking...

~Love Yourself...that's the only way you can love others genuinely. ~Kiss your worries good bye..else you won't be able to welcome glad tidings. ~ Try new things and challenges...seriously, ain't you tired of the old and monotonous things you do?!? ~Ask for Guidance...Ooh please drop the Ego! It irritates... ~ Start the day with cheers and smile...that's something much more natural and healthy than a glass of wine. Plus its cheap and really does the heart good! #HappyWednesday #Perfectgift

EDEN

Search This Blog