President Muhammadu Buhari’s declaration of June 12 as Democracy Day ignited controversy on Thursday in the House of Representatives, with the plenary turning rowdy.
Buhari had on Wednesday, apart from announcing the new Democracy Day also honoured Chief Moshood Abiola acclaimed winner of the June 12, 1993 election.
Other beneficiaries of similar honour are Abiola’s running mate in the presidential election, Ambassador Babagana Kingibe and late human rights activist and vibrant lawyer, Chief Gani Fawehinmi.
However during its plenary on Thursday, the House of Representatives turned rowdy as some legislators frowned at the declaration of June 12 as Democracy Day while others supported the development.
Some legislators who opposed the development said the president was wrong to have declared the public holiday without the approval of the National Assembly.
Those who supported the president’s position said they believed it did not matter that the approval did not come from the Legislature.
READ ALSO: June 12 as Democracy Day: Abiola’s daughter, Hafsat, turns poet, attacks Obasanjo
Stirring the controversy, a member of the House, Nicholas Ossai from Delta State argued: “Public holiday is derived from the National Assembly act and not from executive declaration.”
He stated further: “This honour (GCFR awarded Abiola) is to be given to the president or former presidents who are still alive. Two weeks ago, we celebrated our great feat as a nation our Democracy Day. The executive never thought it wise to declare it on that day. What is the difference between now and one week ago, it is an act of discrimination?
“What happens to the public funds used in celebrating Democracy Day weeks ago? They must be accounted for. Why didn’t the president announce it on that day?”
He was however not allowed to complete his statements when he was shouted down by those in support of the president’s move.
Argument and counter-arguments persisted.
