June 12 is a unique day – Jonathan

President Goodluck Jonathan on Wednesday described June 12 as “a unique day that has changed the political history’’ of the country.

The president made the remarks at the inauguration of the Board of the Police Service Commission held at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

“Today is also a unique day, June 12, a date that has changed the political history of this country in one way or the other.

“In some parts of the country, some state governments have declared public holiday to mark today, but at the centre, it has not been formally recognised as a public holiday.

“We appreciate what happened on this day that you are being inaugurated, I think it is a unique date,’’ he said.

The resident made the short remarks before he gave his charge to the board chaired by former Inspector-General of Police, Mr Mike Okiro.

It will be recalled that precisely 20 years ago, June 12, 1993, a presidential election was held in the country in which Late Chief Moshood Abiola was believed to be the winner.

The former Military Head of State, Ibrahim Babangida,  annulled the election which was adjudged by local and international observers to be the freest and fairest.

The annulment of the election led to crisis and outrage as well as the arrest and incarceration of Abiola, who died in detention on July 8, 1998. (NAN)