By Nuel Suji – The Federal Government has declared Friday, 1st and Monday 4th September 2017 as Public Holidays to mark the Muslims’ Id-el-Kabir Celebration.
The Minister of Interior, Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau, a retired Lieutenant General who made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government, congratulated Muslim faithful and all Nigerians to use the occasion to pray for peace, unity, prosperity and the stability of the country’s democracy.
Mr. Dambazau, in a statement by the Director Overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary (DOOPS), Dr Rufa’i Kawu Attahiru urged Nigerians to join hands with the Muhammadu Buhari led government to build a peaceful and harmonious country, where the rights of every citizen, are protected and guaranteed, as enshrined in the Constitution.
The minister assured citizens of their safety in all parts of the country, emphasizing that security agencies have been directed to maintain the 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 emphasizing that the government would continue to foster peaceful coexistence, national cohesion and stability in its march towards actualizing the full potential of Nigeria.
“The minister wishes all Nigerians a most rewarding and Happy Id-el-Kabir celebration,” it added.
