Did You Know?

Hi lovers of history, it's your friend again coming to you with historical events and facts. I welcome you to a fresh edition of your favourite content on Steem4Nigeria. Did You Know?
Last two weeks I brought you history about the 29th May and last week I brought you the history of the declaration of the Republic of Biafra by then Col. Ojukwu.

This week, I felt I should dig into democratic rule in Nigeria which I had discussed a part last two weeks but focused on the 29th May A bit lengthy, but you'll be glad you read through.

Did you know that Nigerian democracy never began in the year 1999? That there have been democratic practices in Nigeria right from the formation of political parties which were part of the 1922 Clifford's constitution. Although Nigerians were somehow handicapped during the colonial government.

It is important to note that democracy in Nigeria took a serious stand from 1st October 1960 after independence. And after Nigeria became a republic in 1963, elections were conducted in Nigeria, although the government was cut short by the first military coup in the country.

Did you know that democratic rule ushered in the second republic in Nigeria where Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo military government handed over power to the civilian government of Shehu Shagari? Again, the military interrupted the civilian government and took over power till 1993.

It was hoped that the country would return to democratic rule but, unfortunately, the election to that effect was annulled by the military government of Gen. Ibrahim Babangida and then the military government continued.

Then, on 29th May 1999, democracy was fully returned and acknowledged. The military distanced themselves from Nigerian politics and that ushered in the fourth republic where Gen. Abdusallam Abubakar handed over power to a democratic government led by Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo. Since then, democracy has been running in the country till date.
Read about military transitions in Nigeria

Points to Note

• Democratic rule in Nigeria existed before the 29th May 1999 by the colonial masters from 1922. Although the military interfered at different times after independence in 1960.

• 29th May 1999 ushered in a democratic government that has been standing till date.

• 29th May 1999 ushered in a new republic in Nigeria, (the fourth republic).

• Though faced with challenges, democratic rule in Nigeria has been running in Nigeria as tomorrow, 29th May, marks the 26th year of uninterrupted democratic rule in Nigeria.

• If you've forgotten, tomorrow 29th May is not Nigeria's Democracy Day in Nigeria because the day was changed to 12th June. That means tomorrow is not a public holiday until 12th June, get up to work.

• On the change of Democracy Day, it was stated that 29th May would only be for a change of government in an event where elections were held in the country. That day (29th May) would be for handing over to a newly elected government but not to be declared a public holiday.

I hope you have been reminded of something? Or did you know it was so? Join me for another edition of Did You Know next week.

Thank you for reading, I remain your historian friend @eveetim.💕 Feel free to make your contributions in the comment, I'll love to hear from you.

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