The Federal Government has declared Monday May 29 work free to commemorate the inauguration of the 16th democratically elected President.

Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, made the declaration in Abuja on Friday  on behalf of the Government.

The Minister felicitated  with all Nigerians on the momentous occasion, commending them for their faith in democracy as expressed in the nationwide elections that produced the President and his Deputy being inaugurated and indeed in all elections across the nation.

 The Minister in a statement by the Permanent Secretary, Dr Shuaib Belgore enjoined Nigerians to continue to support and promote democracy through adherence to the rule of law and uphold all democratic institutions. ”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 of rule of law, support for democratic institutions, promotion of free and responsible press and advancement of the frontiers of freedom for all the people,” the Minister said. 

Aregbesola urged Nigerians also to continue to promote ideals of peaceful coexistence and love for our neighbours, noting that we can only practice democracy and enjoy its dividends in a peaceful environment.

The Minister commended all Nigerians for their strident efforts at achieving an unbroken civilian rule and successful change of governments since 1999.

He called on them to support and cooperate with the coming administration, arguing that the unbounded energy of the people is the nation’s greatest strength.

The Minister charged Nigerians to shun any form of violence and other untoward acts, saying all hands should be on the deck for the brightness of the future of Nigeria.