The Federal Government has declared Wednesday and Thursday public holidays to mark the eid-il-fitr. Minister of Interior, Abdulrahman Dambazau in a statement issued Tuesday in Abuja said this 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”. He said the Federal Government has now declared Wednesday 6th and Thursday 7th July, 2016 as Public Holiday.
The Federal Government had earlier declared Tuesday, 5th and Wednesday, 6th July, 2016 as public holiday to mark the Eid-el Fitri celebrations. The statement was signed by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Bassey Akpanyung.
“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”, said Akpanyung.