FG Announces Independence Day Holiday Amidst Protest Plan by Nigerians
Interior Minister, Tunji-Ojo
The Federal Government has declared Tuesday, October 1 a public holiday to commemorate a low-key Independence Anniversary.
The government had cancelled earlier plans to hold a grand 64th independence anniversary following plans by Nigerians to stage protests nationwide over deteriorating economic conditions.
The planned protests, driven largely by harsh economic realities, spiralling inflation and hunger, will be the second in about two months after the 10-day nationwide end bad governance protest that rocked the country for days.
Since the end bad governance protest, inflation has continued to go up, including transportation cost as the price of petrol per leader more than double from over N600 per litre to more than N1,200.
However, in announcing the public holiday in a statement, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Interior, Dr Magdalene Ajani congratulated Nigerians, and praised their patience and hardwork, assuring that their sacrifices will not be in vain.
The statement said Nigerians should “reflect on the labour of our heroes past and be inspired for the tasks ahead, realizing that a Nigeria of our dream can only be built when we unite.”
It further urged all citizens to continue to be steadfast in nation-building.
