Nigerians are used to celebrating sorrows and tears — Falana

Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN) has said that immortalising the late business mogul, Chief Moshood Abiola, is not enough, stressing that the last 21 years of civil rule in Nigeria have been full of sorrow and tears.

Falana, who called into a live programme on Jamz F. M. in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, urged true patriots in the country to intensify the struggle for genuine democracy.


He said: “One of the policies carried out by the Buhari adminitration is the recognition of June as a public holiday and replacement of Democracy Day which was originally May 29.

“Those who set May 29 as a Democracy Day did so out of spite. I’m talking about Olusegun Obasanjo adminitration, that for eight years refused to recognize the supreme sacrifice paid by Bashorun MKO Abiola in the restoration of democracy in Nigeria. It was very good on the part of this administration to have recognized that day.

“But it is not enough to immortalize MKO. It is not enough to recognize June 12 as a democracy day. The last 21 years have been civil rule of disenchantment and frustration on the part of the majority of Nigerians.



“Only a few people, infinitesimal of politicians, can be said to have benefited from civil rule. Only a few politicians are smiling to the bank at the expense of our people. The point I’m making is that, the last 21 years have been years of sorrow and tears for our people. That is why the struggle to have genuine democracy must be intensified by genuine patriots in this country”.

Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari in his Democracy Day speech, said the only reason Nigeria is still a country is because of Nigerians who work tirelessly to sustain it amidst tremendous challenges facing the country throughout its 21 years of uninterrupted civil administration.


He also said that his commitment to addressing the "nation’s daunting challenges, especially insecurity, economy and corruption" remains unwavering.

He said, "This day provides us an opportunity to reflect on our journey as a nation, our achievements and struggles.

"It is a day to honour our founding fathers who toiled to establish our republic and every Nigerian who has worked tirelessly to sustain it.

"Sustaining our democracy thus far has been a collective struggle, and I congratulate all Nigerians and particularly leaders of our democratic institutions on their resilience and determination to ensure that Nigeria remains a shining example of democracy.



"In my 2019 Democracy Day address, I promised to frontally address the nation’s daunting challenges, especially insecurity, economy and corruption. I therefore find it necessary to give an account of my stewardship on this day."