- The Abuja leg of the walk would be led by the president, accompanied by his vice, Kashim Shettima
- The National Democracy Solidarity Walk would take place concurrently across 36 states and Abuja on the day
President Bola Tinubu is expected to lead a walk to commemorate 25 years of Nigeria’s unbroken democracy on May 29.
The National Democracy Stakeholders Group (NDSG), organisers of the walk, said it is part of a series of other activities lined up to celebrate the epoch-making event.
The group said the Abuja leg of the walk would be led by the president, accompanied by his vice, Kashim Shettima.
The National Democracy Solidarity Walk would take place concurrently across 36 states and Abuja on the day.
The chairman, NDSG, Dr Kletsaint Akor, in a statement on Tuesday, said as the cornerstone event of Nigeria’s Democracy Week, the 5th National Democracy Solidarity Walk holds special significance.
The statement said: “This symbolic walk will bring together citizens from all walks of life to celebrate the spirit of democracy and reflect on its enduring importance.
“The week-long celebration built around the June 12th annual democracy day will feature a diverse array of activities aimed at fostering dialogue, promoting civic engagement, and advancing democratic ideals and culture.”
According to him, Tinubu and Shettima will be supported by other esteemed dignitaries, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, the Chief Justice of the Federation, Olukayode Ariwoola, and the Speaker of the House Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas..
The chairman disclosed that the walk in the states would be led by the governors, deputy governors; to be supported by speakers of state assemblies and state chief judges.
He stated that celebrating 25 years of sustained democracy defined the resolve and doggedness of a people towards the ideals of the best form of government.
According to him, the significant achievement is made possible through the unwavering commitment of the Nigerian people to democratic principles, no matter the unsettling hiccups, which calls for a momentous commemoration.
The statement added: “The Nigeria Democracy Week, scheduled to take place from June 10th to 14th, 2024, will serve as a platform to honour this remarkable journey and reaffirm our collective dedication to democratic governance.
“In the light of this auspicious occasion, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and all Nigerians for their steadfast support of democracy and their tireless efforts in upholding its values.
“Highlights include the launch of the NDSG Book Chain. The Book Chain is a monumental research work detailing Nigeria’s governance culture from the pre-colonial era to the present, and the visions and activities of all the dramatis personae in the sphere.”
Akor stated that the book chain topics centered on presidents, first ladies, and other prominent leaders.