By Israel Adebiyi
Edo Central LP Senate Hopeful Rejects June 12 as Democracy Day, Proposes MKO Abiola Memorial Instead
Labour Party senatorial hopeful for Edo Central, Comrade Paul Okojie, has rejected the designation of June 12 as Nigeria’s Democracy Day, describing it as a misguided and poorly thought-out decision.
Okojie, who is eyeing a seat in the National Assembly, argued that the day should rather be set aside as MKO Abiola Memorial Day in honour of the democratic ideals championed by the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Abiola.
“I am of a different opinion on the issue of making June 12 Democracy Day,” he said.
“It should instead be a memorial to the man who gave his life for democracy. That would better reflect the spirit and values he represented.”
According to him, May 29—the constitutionally recognized date for the swearing-in of new governments every four years—remains the most logical and appropriate date to mark Nigeria’s Democracy Day.
He maintained that aligning Democracy Day with the transfer of political power would strengthen civic awareness, while dedicating June 12 solely to celebrating Chief Abiola would give the late statesman “the respect and accolades he truly deserves.”
Okojie insisted that the current arrangement does not reflect a deep understanding of Nigeria’s democratic evolution and called those who pushed for it “bereft of progressive ideas.”
Promising to bring thoughtful reforms and genuine representation to the people of Edo Central, the LP aspirant concluded: “This forms a part of my agenda to right the wrongs—even as I give my constituents the type of representation they will be eternally proud of.”
