FG Rules Out Public Holiday On June 12

The federal government says next Tuesday, June 12, will not be celebrated as a national public holiday.

The government in a Tweet on Friday was reacting to questions on whether or not the country will observe a holiday considering President Muhammadu Buhari’s declaration of June 12 as Nigeria’s new Democracy Day.

President Buhari made a declaration on Wednesday in honor of Chief Moshood Abiola’s victory at the 1993 presidential election.

The President equally conferred a posthumous GCFR on the late Abiola.

Announcing the move, Buhari said, “Accordingly, after due consultations, the Federal government has decided that henceforth, June 12th will be celebrated as Democracy Day. Therefore, Government has decided to award posthumously the highest honour of the land, GCFR, to late Chief MKO Abiola, the presumed winner of the June 12th 1993 cancelled elections. His running mate as Vice President, Ambassador Baba Gana Kingibe, is also to be invested with a GCON. Furthermore, the tireless fighter for human rights and the actualization of the June 12th elections and indeed for Democracy in general, the late Chief Gani Fawehinmi SAN is to be awarded the GCON.

“The investiture will take place on Tuesday June 12th, 2018, a date which in future years will replace May 29th as a National Public Holiday in celebration of Nigeria Democracy Day.”

Following the announcement, many Nigerians were confused as to whether the celebration will begin this year 2018 or not, with some already gearing for another national holiday next week.

However, a tweet on the official Twitter handle of the government (@AsoRock) reads: “There have been questions regarding whether or not there will be a FEDERAL public holiday on June 12, 2018.

“The answer is NO.

“Presidential Order says June 12 “in FUTURE YEARS will replace May 29th as a National Public Holiday in celebration of Nigeria Democracy Day.”

NOTICE:

There have been questions regarding whether or not there will be a FEDERAL public holiday on June 12, 2018.

The answer is NO.

Presidential Order says June 12 “in FUTURE YEARS will replace May 29th as a National Public Holiday in celebration of Nigeria Democracy Day.” pic.twitter.com/UsxrPRx28X

— Government of Nigeria (@AsoRock) June 8, 2018