Leaders and stakeholders across Nigeria are preparing to converge on Lagos State for the June 12 Democracy Day Anniversary Celebration. According to POLITICS NIGERIA, the event will be attended by notable figures such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwakwanso, who are scheduled to deliver goodwill messages. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu will also address the state.
The celebration, organized by The Patriots and the June 12 Pro-Democracy Movement of Nigeria, will take place on June 12, 2024, at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry Conference and Exhibition Centre in Alausa, Ikeja. The theme of the event is “Securing the Future of Nigeria through a Democratic People’s Constitution.”
Chief Emeka Anyaoku, former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth of Nations and Chairman of The Patriots, will chair the event. A key discussion on reforming Nigeria’s democratic constitution will be led by Dr. Olisa Agbakoba, Prof. Attahiru Jega, and Senator Shehu Sanni. Although Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka was initially slated to provide the keynote address, he has been replaced by Dr. Kayode Fayemi and Col. Umar Dangiwa due to other engagements.
The event will also feature speeches from prominent figures including Prof. Pat Utomi, Barr. Femi Falana, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, Prof. Jibrin Ibrahim, Amb. (Hon) Nkoyo Toyo, Alhaji Shettima Yerima, and Otunba Dele Momodu, among others.
A statement from the organizers highlighted that special interventions and remarks would be delivered at the national colloquium by influential leaders and political figures. These include General Alabi Akinriade, General Ike Nwachukwu, Elder Solomon Asemota, SAN, Dr. Kalu Idika Kalu, Obong Victor Attah, Prof. Anya O. Anya, Rt. Hon. Aminu Tambuwal, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi, Mr. Donald Duke, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, and Prof. Mike Ozekhome, SAN.
Additionally, the event will be attended by the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero, the President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Festus Osifo, Prof. Okey Ikechukwu, National Youth Leader of the 3rd Force, Abayomi Rotimi Mighty, Obongawan Barbara Etim-James, Deacon Chris Iyovwaye, and Veteran Olawale Okunniyi (Veteran Che), General Secretary of The Patriots.
The Democracy Day celebration will also include a motorcade procession from the venue to the residence of Chief MKO Abiola. Prayers and tributes will be held there to honor the martyrs of Nigeria’s democracy.