Democracy day date change did buhari deliver a master stroke

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On June 12, 2018, President Muhammadu Buhari declared June 12 as Democracy Day, replacing May 29, which was previously celebrated as Democracy Day in Nigeria. This decision was met with mixed reactions from Nigerians, with some hailing it as a masterstroke while others criticized it as a political move.

Here are some arguments for and against the decision:

Arguments for the decision:

  1. Recognition of June 12 as a significant date: June 12, 1993, was a significant date in Nigerian history, as it was the day of the annulled presidential election won by Moshood Abiola, a businessman and politician who was widely expected to become the country's president. By declaring June 12 as Democracy Day, Buhari acknowledged the importance of this date and the sacrifices made by Nigerians in the struggle for democracy.
  2. Shift from military to democratic governance: May 29, 1999, marked the transition from military rule to democratic governance in Nigeria, but some argued that this date was not as significant as June 12, which represented a more profound shift towards democracy. By moving Democracy Day to June 12, Buhari emphasized the importance of democratic values and the need to recognize the sacrifices made by Nigerians in the struggle for democracy.
  3. Unifying the nation: The decision to declare June 12 as Democracy Day was seen by some as a way to unify the nation, as it recognized the sacrifices made by all Nigerians, regardless of their ethnic or religious backgrounds.

Arguments against the decision:

  1. Political manipulation: Critics argued that the decision was a political move aimed at rebranding Buhari's administration and distracting from the country's numerous challenges, including corruption, insecurity, and economic woes.
  2. Disrespect for May 29: Some argued that May 29, which marked the transition from military rule to democratic governance, was a more significant date and that Buhari's decision was a disrespect to the sacrifices made by Nigerians on that day.
  3. Lack of concrete actions: While the decision to declare June 12 as Democracy Day was seen as a symbolic gesture, some argued that it lacked concrete actions to address the country's challenges and that it was merely a publicity stunt.

In conclusion, whether Buhari delivered a masterstroke with the decision to declare June 12 as Democracy Day is a matter of opinion. While some saw it as a bold move to recognize the sacrifices made by Nigerians in the struggle for democracy, others viewed it as a political manipulation aimed at rebranding the administration. Ultimately, the decision's impact will depend on the concrete actions taken by the government to address the country's challenges and promote democratic values.