The Federal Government has declared Monday, June 13, as a public holiday in commemoration of Nigeria’s Democracy Day.
Monday is declared public holiday as this year’s June 12 Democracy Day is on Sunday.
The Ministry of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola made the announcement in a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr M. L. Shuaib Belgore, on Thursday.
The minister congratulated Nigerians and called on all citizens to support the present government in its efforts at ensuring a secured, united and prosperous nation.
He also urges Nigerians to use the occasion to reflect on the long journey the country has made towards the enthronement of civil democratic order, before Independence in 1960 till date and the sacrifices of our patriots.
Aregbesola said, “As we mark another Democracy Day in the history of our dear country, let us reflect on the efforts of our founding fathers and ensure that Nigeria remains one united, secured, peaceful and an indivisible entity, noting that no development can take place in an acrimonious environment.
“With the challenges we face in Nigeria today, I see an opportunity for us not to break up or break down, but to break open; open up to ourselves in truth so that we may appreciate each other, understand each other, honour each other and live together in peace and prosperity.”
The minister equally asked Nigerians to keep faith with democracy, saying that although it might not have brought the best of expectations, keeping to it is better than alternatives which have proved ruinous and disastrous to the nation.
“There will surely be light at the end of the tunnel,” Aregbesola added.