Democracy Day: Jonathan, Obasanjo, other former leaders absent at ceremony

Former Nigerian heads of state and presidents were absent at the venue of the 2019 Democracy Day celebrations on Wednesday.

The former leaders including Yakubu Gowon, Olusegun Obasanjo, Goodluck Jonathan, among others, were absent at the event which held at the Eagles’ Square in Abuja.

Former military leaders Ibrahim Babangida and Abdulsalam Abubakar were also absent.

President Muhammadu Buhari had earlier declared June 12 Nigeria’s Democracy Day. The inaugural celebration, which took place Wednesday, had in attendance numerous pro-June 12 supporters.

No reasons have been given for the conspicuous absent of the former leaders as at press time Wednesday afternoon.

Meanwhile, the event was graced by leaders and diplomats from different parts of Africa and around the world.

Among them are Paul Kagame, the president of Rwanda; George Weah of Liberia; Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz of Mauritania; Denis Sassou Nguesso of Congo; President Macky Sall of Senegal; President Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana; and President Adama Barrow of Gambia, among others.

Nigeria’s Senate President, Ahmed Lawan, and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, were also present.

– Premium Times