To commemorate this year’s Democracy Day, the Federal Government of Nigeria has designated Monday, June 13, 2022, a public holiday.
On behalf of the Federal Government, Minister of Interior Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola congratulated Nigerians on the occasion and urged all citizens to support the current administration in its efforts to ensure a secure, united, and prosperous nation.
Aregbesola urged Nigerians to reflect on the lengthy path the country has taken to enthronement of a civil democratic order, from before national independence in 1960 to the present day, as well as the sacrifices made by our heroes.
He reminded Nigerians of the hurdles the country has experienced and conquered, including a civil war, and said any form of unrest that threatens the country’s unity should be avoided for the sake of all.
He added that the area known as Nigeria could be a haven of peace, unity, and progress if all citizens love their neighbors and embrace the spirit of brotherhood.
“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, secured, peaceful and an indivisible entity, noting that no development can take place in an acrimonious environment,” he emphasized.
“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,” Aregbesola repeated.
The Minister advised Nigerians to make wise use of the recently launched Nigeria Internal Security and Public Safety Alert System (N-Alert) Mobile App, which is designed to mitigate security threats and other disasters, with the slogan “See Something, Do N-Alert”. He stated that the Mobile App has been upgraded to meet the country’s current problems.
He stated that the nation will continue to improve as a result of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration’s concerted efforts to protect Nigerians’ lives and property while also stabilizing the economy.
Ogbeni Aregbesola urged Nigerians to maintain trust in democracy, saying that while it may not have met our highest aspirations, we should persevere because practice makes perfect, and the alternatives are far worse and have proven ruinous and devastating to the country in the past.
“There will surely be light at the end of the tunnel,” he said.
The Minister wishes all Nigerians a joyful Democracy Day Celebration.
Signed:
Dr. M L. Shuaib Belgore
Permanent Secretary.