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

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