ABUJA, Nigeria — The Federal Government has declared Monday, May 29, 2023, as a public holiday in anticipation of the inauguration of Bola Tinubu as Nigeria’s president.
Rauf Aregbesola, the minister of interior, made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government, according to a statement from Dr. Shuaib Belgore, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior.
The Minister congratulated all Nigerians on the upcoming event, praising their commitment to democracy as demonstrated in the nationwide election that resulted in the election of the incoming President and his Deputy.
“I commend Nigerians for their faith in democracy as expressed in all elections across the nation,” Aregbesola said.
He called on Nigerians to continue supporting and promoting democratic principles by adhering to the rule of law and upholding democratic institutions.
Aregbesola framed democracy as an ongoing project, stating, “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.”
In his statement, the Minister urged Nigerians to foster peaceful coexistence and goodwill towards their neighbors, asserting that democracy and its dividends can only thrive in a peaceful environment.
Aregbesola commended the people of Nigeria for their continued efforts in sustaining an unbroken civilian rule and the successful change of governments since 1999.
He called upon them to support and cooperate with the incoming administration, stating, “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.”
As Nigeria looks forward to the inauguration of its new president, the Minister urged citizens to avoid violence and disruptive activities, promising a bright future if all hands are on deck to support the country’s development.
He expressed optimism that Nigeria will achieve greatness in all facets of human development.
