Activities marking the inaugural June 12 Democracy Day celebrations have commenced at Eagle Square, Abuja.
President Muhammadu Buhari had on Monday signed the new Public Holiday Act into law altering May 29 to June 12 as Democracy Day.
Though the day is observed as public day in Nigeria, it is set aside to commemorate the 20 years of democracy in the country which commenced in 1999.
The day is also set aside to honour the acclaimed winner of June 12 presidential election, M.K.O Abiola who fought for the country’s democracy in 1993.
President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo as well as Ahmed Lawan, Senate President and Femi Gbajabiamila, House of Representatives Speaker are some dignitaries attending the inaugural ceremony of the Democracy Day.
News Agency of Nigeria reported that former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Head of State, Yakubu Gowon and former President Goodluck Jonathan were absent in the event.
However, Buhari began the celebration, holding at the Eagles Square, Abuja with the inspection of Guards on Parade.
Buhari in white babaringa with cap to match mounted a motorcade to greet the guests.
Shortly after, he took salute as members of Nigerian Army in their ceremonial attires went on quick and fast march past to honour the day.
The Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy and the Nigerian Air Force marching past as the President is taking salute.
Foreign dignitaries at the event also included Presidents of Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Ghana, Namibia, Niger, Congo, Liberia, Gambia and Guinea Bissau.
Others are the Vice presidents of South Sudan, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Egypt, representatives of Presidents of Benin Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Czech Republic, France, Ireland, Japan, Mali, Kenya, Morocco, Malawi and Belgium.
The acting Chief Justice of Nigeria, Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Inspector General of Police and other heads of security agencies were also present at the Eagle Square.
Those also in attendance included Senator Bola Tinubu, the All Progressives Congress chieftain; and governors of Kano, Kogi, Yobe, Kwara, Kebbi, Ekiti, Kaduna and Anambra states.
