Buhari renames National Stadium after Moshood Abiola in his Democracy Day speech

PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has renamed the National Stadium Abuja the Moshood Abiola Stadium as part of Nigeria's ongoing Democracy Day celebrations that have seen him host several world leaders in Abuja.

 

June 12 has been designated as Democracy Day to mark the annulment of the June 12 1993 elections when Chief Moshood Abiola won presidential polls but the military truncated the process. Yesterday night, President Buhari hosted several African leaders to a gala dinner at the presidential villa in Abuja to mark the occasion.

 

Leaders who attended the event included President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz of Mauritania, President Paul Kagame of Rwanda, President George Weah of Liberia, President Denis Sassou Nguesso of Congo, and President Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana. Others were President Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe, President Macky Sall of Senegal, Prime Minister Ruhakana Rugunda of Uganda,  President Adama Barrow of the Gambia and President Mahamadou Issoufou of Niger Republic.

 

Other dignitaries at the event included state governors, leaders of the newly inaugurated National Assembly, diplomats and captains of industries were treated to best of Nigerian cuisines and hospitality. Speaking at the event, the president said his administration was ready to move the nation to the next level of prosperity, peace and stability.

 

President Buhari, who narrated the history of June 12 general elections in1993 and the subsequent signing into law of June 12 as public holiday every year, said the celebration was a recognition of the resilience of the Nigerian people. He thanked the visiting heads of state and presidents for honouring the nation’s invitation.

 

In his speech today at the Eagle Square in Abuja where President Buhari announced the renaming of the stadium, he described Nigeria as the big brother of its African neighbours. He promised to ensure that Nigeria remains a single entity and builds a viable economy.

 

Furthermore, the president promised to develop Nigeria through agriculture and offered to form a formidable partnership with foreign countries. He warned those inciting other citizens to cause violence to stay clear or they will be dealt with.

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