Lagos – Renown constitutional lawyer, Prof. Itse Sagay, on Sunday urged the Federal Government to declare June 12 of every year a national holiday.
In an interview, Sagay described June 12 as a “watershed” in the political history of Nigeria.
The widely acclaimed election of late Chief Moshood Abiola was annulled by the military government on June 12, 1993.
According to him, honouring past heroes such as Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Sir Ahmadu Bello, Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe and Moshood Abiola with national holidays is a befitting way of acknowledging their contributions to the nation.
He said that the decision of some states of the federation to declare June 12 as “Democracy Day” was indicative of the autonomy of states in a true federalism.
On the nation’s judiciary, Sagay said that the `bench` could still boast of men of integrity and honesty who pursued equity, fairness and justness in their judgments.
“I believe that the current wave of intimidation of some of our jurists will not deter their commitment and pursuit of what is right.
“In the end, this distraction will only strengthen others on the bench that believe in the rule of law, “ he said.
Sagay, however, said there was room for improvement in the judicial system, adding that political leaders must take the lead in the reformation of the judiciary. (NAN)
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Sagay wants FG to declare June 12 a national holiday