Share On May 16, 2019, the National Assembly of Nigeria passed an amendment of the Public Holidays Act to change Democracy Day from May 29 to June 12. This was sequel to the declaration made by the President in June 2018. The President was reacting to the demand of Nigerians for the official recognition of the votes cast for democracy, unity and freedom, on June 12, 1993, when religion and tribalism failed to rear their very ugly heads in Nigeria’s national politics. On that hallowed day, Nigerians accepted the presidential ticket of a southern muslim, Chief M.K.O. Abiola, jointly with a northern muslim, Alhaji Babagana Kingibe and voted for them overwhelmingly. Two years down the line, the lessons of that monumental declaration seem to have been lost on our leaders, at least going by reports of clampdown on protesters across Nigeria, during this year’s anniversary.