From Joseph Inokotong, Abuja
The federal government has declared Wednesday and Thursday, May 12 and 13, as public holidays to mark this year’s Eid ul-Fitr celebrations.
Minister of Interior Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, while making the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government in Abuja on Monday, congratulated the Muslim faithful on this occasion, and called on all Nigerians at home and abroad to use the period of this year’s Eid ul-Fitr celebration to pray for peace, stability and economic transformation in the land.
Aregbesola, who believes that development cannot thrive in a rancorous atmosphere, urged all Nigerians to be law-abiding and embrace the spirit of love, self-discipline, kindness and tolerance, as taught by Prophet Mohammed.
He also called on all security agencies in the country to be more courageous and patriotic to surmount the ongoing battle against resurging insecurity and activities of criminal elements in Nigeria.
The minister assured that the resolve of the Buhari administration to end the scourge of crime and criminality in the country and restore peace to every nook and cranny of Nigeria was sacrosanct.
According a statement signed by Dr Shuaib Belgore, Permanent Secretary in the ministry, ‘this administration will not be deterred in its efforts, until every Nigerian and resident of the country, is free to move around without fear of any threat to his/her life and property. We are therefore putting necessary measures and strategies in place to strengthen the stability of the country as well as ensuring economic prosperity of our dear nation.’
The minister wished all Muslims a happy and peaceful Eid ul-Fitr celebration.