By Modupe Gbadeyanka
Monday, June 12, 2021, has been declared as a public holiday to mark this year’s democracy day, a statement from the Federal Ministry of Interior said.
In the statement signed on Thursday by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mr Shuaib Belgore, Nigerians were urged to reflect on the efforts of the nation’s founding fathers and ensure that the country remains united and indivisible entity.
The Minister of Interior, Mr Rauf Aregbesola, who declared the day as a work-free day in the country, also appealed to citizens to work together with the federal government to keep the nation united.
Mr Aregbesola said any form of agitation that threatens the unity of the country should be shunned for the good of all, saying the space known as Nigeria would be a haven of peace, unity and progress if all citizens love his or her neighbour and embrace the spirit of brotherliness.
“As we mark another Democracy Day in the history of our dear country, let us reflect on the efforts of our founding fathers and ensure that Nigeria remains one United and Indivisible Entity. No development can take place in an acrimonious environment,” he stressed
“With the challenges we face in Nigeria today, I see an opportunity for us not to break up or break down but to break open; open up to ourselves in truth so that we may appreciate each other, understand each other, honour each other and live together in peace and prosperity,” Mr Aregbesola reiterated.
The Minister assured that with the concerted efforts being put in place by the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration to secure the lives and property of Nigerians and stabilise the economy, the nation will continue to get better.
“There will surely be light at the end of the tunnel,” the Minister declared and wished “all Nigerians a Happy Democracy Day celebration.”
Adedapo Adesanya