THE Federal Government has declared Monday 29 a work-free day for all workers in the country.
A statement from the Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, on Friday, May 26, said the gesture was to commemorate the inauguration of the President-elect, Bola Tinubu.
The minister enjoined Nigerians to continue to support and promote democracy through adherence to the rule of law.
Parts of the statement read, “The Minister felicitates with all Nigerians on the momentous occasion, commending them for their faith in democracy as expressed in the nationwide election that produced the President and his Deputy being inaugurated and indeed in all elections across the nation.
“He said 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 the rule of law, supporting democratic institutions, promotion of free and responsible press and advancement of the frontiers of freedom for all the people.
“Aregbesola urged Nigerians also to continue to promote ideals of peaceful coexistence and love for our neighbours, noting that we can only practice democracy and enjoy its dividends in a peaceful environment.”
The Minister, however, commended all Nigerians for their efforts at achieving an unbroken civilian rule and successful change of governments since 1999.
He urged Nigerians to support the in-coming administration, adding that the unbounded energy of the people is the nation’s greatest strength and will take the nation to its greatest height when it is positively deployed in its service.
Aregbesola further 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.
The ICIR reported that Bola Ahmed Tinubu was announced the president elect by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on March 1.
Tinubu, candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), was announced the winner of the presidential election after polling the highest number votes.
Usman Mustapha is a solution journalist with International Centre for Investigative Reporting. You can easily reach him via: [email protected]. He tweets @UsmanMustapha_M