The Federal Government has today, Tuesday July 5, 2016 declared Wednesday 6th and Thursday 7th as public holidays to mark the Eid-il-fitr celebration.
The announcement was contained in a statement released by the Minister of Interior, Abdulrahman Dambazau in Abuja.
The minister in the statement said the declaration of Wednesday and Thursday followed “the directive by the President General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, the Sultan of Sokoto, to the effect that the Ramadan fast continues today (Tuesday) as a result of the non-sighting of the moon”.
Recall that the Federal Government had earlier declared Tuesday 5th and Wednesday 6th as public holidays to mark the completion of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan fasting period.
The statement signed by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Bassey Akpanyung reads: “In making the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government, the Honourable Minister of Interior, Lt Gen. (Rtd) Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau, urged Nigerians to use this period of sober reflections to ensure harmony, unity and peaceful co-existence, while giving full support to the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari in his sustained effort to pursue socio-economic and political growth of the nation.
“The Honourable Minister wishes Nigerians a peaceful celebration.”