By Janet Bassey (Governance Reporter)
Monday, May 29, 2023, has been declared public holiday for all Nigerians by the Federal Government, to commemorate the handover of power to a new government by President Muhammadu Buhari administration.
A statement in Abuja on Friday, May 26, 2023 by Nigeria's Interior Affairs Minister, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, announced that Monday next week will be work free day.
The Minister's statement was signed by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Dr Shuaib Belgore. He felicitated with all Nigerians on the momentous occasion and commended them for their faith in democracy and in 2023 general election, which unfortunately fell below public expectations.
The Minister however enjoined them to continue to support and promote democracy through adherence to the rule of law and uphold all democratic institutions, stating that: “Democracy anywhere is an unfinished business and the only way it can keep developing and serve its end of being the vehicle to good governance and the welfare of all the people is by adhering to its tenets of rule of law, support for democratic institutions, promotion of free and responsible press and advancement of the frontiers of freedom for all the people.”
He also urged Nigerians to continue to promote ideals of peaceful coexistence and love for neighbours, noting that “we can only practise democracy and enjoy its dividends in a peaceful environment.”
Aregbesola commended all Nigerians for their strident efforts at achieving an unbroken civilian rule and successful change of governments since 1999.
The Minister advised them to support and cooperate with the incoming administration, arguing that the unbounded energy of the people was the nation’s greatest strength and will take the nation to its greatest height when it is positively deployed in its service.
He charged Nigerians to shun any form of violence and other untoward acts, assuring them that with all hands on deck, the future is very bright when the nation will attain greatness in all facets of human development. NNL.
