The federal government has declared Monday, June 13, as a public holiday in commemoration of Nigeria’s Democracy Day which comes up on June 12.
The announcement was made by Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola in a statement signed on his behalf by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr M. L. Shuaib Belgore on Thursday June 9.
Aregbesola who urged all citizens to support the present administration in its efforts at ensuring a secured, united and prosperous nation, also admonished 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.
The Minister appealed to Nigerians to faith with democracy, adding that though 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.
The statement read;
“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.
“There will surely be light at the end of the tunnel.”
