The Federal Government has declared Wednesday, 6th July and Thursday 7th July as public holidays to mark the Eid el-Fitr celebration following the non-sighting of the moon on Monday.
This was communicated by the Minister of Interior, retired Lt.-Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau, in a statement on Tuesday that was signed by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mr. Bassey Akpanyung.
Monday and Tuesday had been declared public holidays by the Federal Government on Thursday last week, in anticipation that the Moon would be sighted on Monday and Tuesday would be Eid el-Fitr.
However, the President General, Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, gave a directive late on Monday that the Ramadan fast should continue on Tuesday as a result of the non-sighting of the moon.
Dambazau said the declaration of Thursday as public holiday became necessary as a result of the development, which indicated that Wednesday would now be Sallah.
He urged Nigerians to use the period for sober reflections and ensure harmony, unity and peaceful co-existence.
He also called for full support to the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari in his sustained effort to pursue socio-economic and political growth of the nation.
