Moslems offer Juma’at prayers to herald democracy day

Activities to mark this year’s Democracy Day, which comes up on Tuesday, May 29 begin today with Juma’at prayers at the National Mosque in Abuja.

The programme of events released from the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), indicates that former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Attahiru Jega, will deliver Democracy Day Lecture on Monday, May 28 at the International Conference Centre, Abuja.

A statement by Director of Press, Andrew Agyo Uhwe, noted that prayers would be offered for the nation, its leadership at various levels during the celebrations with the theme: Peace Building And Good Governance For Sustainable Development.

Similar prayers will hold at the National Worship (Ecumenical) Centre on Sunday, May 17, 2018.

All the events would draw participants from all arms and tiers of government, former presidents and Heads of State, traditional rulers, the diplomatic community and non-state actors, among others.

Members of the National Assembly, ministers, permanent secretaries, heads of agencies, extra-ministerial departments and agencies of government, captains of industry and members of the general public are also expected at the event.

Nigeria’s Democracy Day is held on May 29 every year to commemorate the return of democratic governance on May 29, 1999 after several years of military rule in the country.

Democracy Day in Nigeria is considered a special occasion that offers a unique opportunity to celebrate the country’s giant strides as a nation, as well as the people’s resilience in triumph over daunting challenges in their journey towards nation building.

It also presents an opportunity to celebrate the return and observance of fundamental human rights, with the citizens having the responsibility of electing their leaders through a democratic process in all tiers of government.