FG Declares Friday, Monday Public Holidays

The federal government has declared Friday, September 1 and Monday, September 4, 2017, as public holidays to mark Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

The Minister of Interior, Lt Gen. Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau (rtd), who made the declaration on behalf of the federal government, congratulated Muslim faithful and urged all Nigerians to use the occasion to pray for peace, unity, prosperity and stability of the country’s democracy.

Dambazau further urged all Nigerians to join hands with the government of President Muhammadu Buhari in its avowed determination to build a peaceful and harmonious country, where the rights of every citizen are protected and guaranteed, as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution.

The minister in a statement signed by the Director Overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary (DOOPS), Dr. Rufa’i Kawu Attahiru, assured Nigerians of their safety in all parts of the country, emphasising that security agencies have been directed to maintain peace and protect lives and property.

He condemned in strong terms the prevalence of hate speeches in the country and warned that the government would henceforth deal with perpetrators according to the law, while emphasising that the government would continue to foster peaceful coexistence, national cohesion and stability in its march towards actualising the full potential of Nigeria.

The minister wished all Nigerians a most rewarding and happy Eid-el-Kabir celebration.