President Bola Tinubu is expected to lead a walk to commemorate 25 years of Nigeria’s unbroken democracy.
The National Democracy Stakeholders Group (NDSG), organisers of the walk, said it is mobilising a minimum of one thousand Nigerians in each state and Federal Capital Territory Abuja as part of a series of other activities lined up to celebrate the epoch making event.
Dr Kletsaint Akor, NDSG Chairman, said at a Press Conference on Tuesday, that the National Democracy Solidarity Walk would take place concurrently across 36 states and Abuja on May 29.
As the cornerstone event of Nigeria’s Democracy Week, the 5th National Democracy Solidarity Walk holds special significance.
“This symbolic walk will bring together citizens from all walks of life to celebrate the spirit of democracy and reflect on its enduring importance.
“The week-long celebration built around the June 12th annual democracy day will feature a diverse array of activities aimed at fostering dialogue, promoting civic engagement, and advancing democratic ideals and culture.
Akor therefore, said that the Abuja leg of the walk would be led by the president, accompanied by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
According to him, Tinubu and Shettima will be supported by other esteemed dignitaries, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, the Chief Justice of the Federation, Olukayode Ariwoola, and the Speaker of the House Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas..
The chairman disclosed that the walk in the states would be led by the governors, deputy governors; to be supported by speakers of state assemblies and state chief judges.
He stated that celebrating 25 years of sustained democracy defined the resolve and doggedness of a people towards the ideals of the best form of government.
According to him, the significant achievement is made possible through the unwavering commitment of the Nigerian people to democratic principles, no matter the unsettling hiccups, which calls for a momentous commemoration.
“The Nigeria Democracy Week, scheduled to take place from June 10th to 14th, 2024, will serve as a platform to honour this remarkable journey and reaffirm our collective dedication to democratic governance.
“In the light of this auspicious occasion, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and all Nigerians for their steadfast support of democracy and their tireless efforts in upholding its values.
“Highlights include the launch of the NDSG Book Chain.
The Book Chain is a monumental research work detailing Nigeria’s governance culture from the pre-colonial era to the present, and the visions and activities of all the dramatis personae in the sphere,” he stated.
Akor stated that the book chain topics centered on presidents, first ladies, and other prominent leaders.
The NDSG Book Chain comprise the following topics:
1. Centenary First Ladies with foreword by Her Excellency Hajiya Titi Atiku Abubakar;
2. Parties and General Elections in Nigeria with a foreword by His Excellency Atiku Abubakar, GCON and His Eminence Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukar;
3. Democracy in Nigeria II with a foreword by His Excellency Alhaji Shehu Aliyu Shagari, GCFR and Rt. Hon. Aminu Tambuwal, CFR;
4. Democracy in Nigeria II foreworded by Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR and His Excellency Senator Bukola Saraki;
5. State of the Nation’s Democracy with foreword by Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara;
6. Path to Sustained Democracy in Nigeria: Diary of a Decade with foreword by His Excellency, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, GCFR;
7. Path to Sustained Democracy in Nigeria: Evolutional Account with foreword by His Excellency, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCON, GCFR and His Excellency, Distinguished Senator David A.B. Mark, GCON etc.
