Human rights activist and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mr. Olisa Agbakoba, says declaring June 12 as Democracy Day in Nigeria by President Muhammadu Buhari was illegal.
Agbakoba a former president of the Nigeria Bar Association made this view known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) today, Monday, 18/6/2018.
President Buhari in honouring the late Chief MKO Abiola, the presumed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, also awarded Abiola the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR) honour.
Agbakoba said though the new date is against the laws of the land, Abiola’s family deserves the recognition.
“I think that the declaration is illegal, but I do not think that it is important,” he said, adding: “What is important is that there is a declaration that is popular; so, that is how we will take it.”
He also said: “I know it is illegal, but I don’t feel aggrieved. I will not go to court to challenge the declaration; those who feel aggrieved can go to court and challenge it.
“But, I know that the late Abiola’s family deserve the recognition.”
Ben Nwabueze, a senior lawyer, had also faulted the declaration as contrary to the Public Holidays Act.
The decision had divided members of the national assembly, with some saying it is in order while others argue it is illegal.
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