Arise Television presenter Rufai Oseni says people who served under late military ruler General Sani Abacha continue to be influential in Nigeria’s political landscape. In a post on X made on Friday, Oseni reflects on Nigeria’s Democracy Day, saying that those who served Abacha are “still relevant today” and “enjoying government.” He adds that they “enjoyed the best of military and civilian.”
The comment comes as Nigerians mark June 12, Democracy Day, which commemorates the struggle for democratic governance and honors MKO Abiola, widely regarded as the presumed winner of the annulled 1993 presidential election. According to one account, the Federal Government also declares June 12 a public holiday. The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the announcement on Thursday on behalf of the government.
June 12 also marks Nigeria’s transition from military rule to civilian government in 1999. Abacha ruled from 1993 until his death in 1998, an era described as controversial and associated with allegations of human rights abuses, suppression of opposition, and corruption, while some officials from the period remain active in later administrations.
