FG sets May 29 as public holiday

The Federal Government declared Monday, May 29, 2023, a holiday for all employees across the nation.

This is to mark the inauguration of the president-elect, Bola Tinubu, the Interior Minister Rauf Aregbesola stated in a statement released on Friday by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Shuaib Belgore.

He urged Nigerians to uphold the rule of law in order to maintain and advance democracy.

“The Minister felicitates with all Nigerians on the historic occasion, commending them for their faith in democracy as expressed in the national election that produced the President and his Deputy being inaugurated and indeed in all elections across the nation,” the statement said in part.

“He said democracy is an unfinished business everywhere, and the only way it can continue to grow and serve its purpose of being the means of ensuring good governance and the welfare of all people is by upholding its principles of the rule of law, supporting democratic institutions, encouraging a free and responsible press, and expanding the bounds of freedom for all people.

Aregbesola urged Nigerians to keep advocating for ideas of peaceful coexistence and love for one’s neighbours, pointing out that only in a peaceful environment can democracy be practised and its benefits reaped.

The Minister did, however, praise all Nigerians for their efforts in securing uninterrupted civilian rule and effective regime changes since 1999.

He urged them to support and work with the incoming government, claiming that the people’s boundless energy is the country’s greatest strength and will lead the country to its highest point when it is constructively employed in its service.

However, the Minister urged Nigerians to abstain from all forms of violence and other bad deeds, telling them that the future is very bright when the country achieves greatness in all spheres of human development with all hands on deck.