Buhari’s declaration of June 12 as Democracy Day illegal— Agbakoba

Foremost lawyer, Olisa Agbakoba (SAN) has declared as illegal, President Muhammadu Buhari’s decision to declare June 12 as Democracy Day.

The former president of Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) made his position known on Monday.

Recall that Agbakoba had earlier faulted the decision to honour MKO Abiola’s running mate in the June 12 1993 election, Babagana Kingibe, branding him a “big time traitor”. He had also blamed Abiola’s blind ambition for his failure to become president.

Agbakoba said though the new date is against the laws of the land, Abiola’s family deserves the recognition.

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“I think that the declaration is illegal, but I do not think that it is important,” he said, adding: “What is important is that there is a declaration that is popular; so, that is how we will take it.”

He also said, “I know it is illegal, but I don’t feel aggrieved. I will not go to court to challenge the declaration; those who feel aggrieved can go to court and challenge it.

“But, I know that the late Abiola’s family deserve the recognition.”

Ben Nwabueze, a senior lawyer, had also faulted the declaration as contrary to the Public Holidays Act.

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