To commemorate this year’s Democracy Day, the Federal Government has designated Monday a public holiday.

Rauf Aregbesola, the Minister of Interior, made the statement on Thursday. The Minister invited all citizens to join the Federal Government in achieving a “unified and prosperous nation.”

He believes that if every citizen embraces the spirit of brotherhood and neighbourliness, Nigeria will achieve peace, unity, and growth. He encouraged Nigerians to avoid any type of agitation that could jeopardize the country’s unity.

“As we commemorate another Democracy Day in our dear country’s history, let us remember our founding fathers’ efforts to guarantee that Nigeria remains one united and indivisible entity. In a tumultuous environment, no progress can take place. “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 was quoted as saying in a statement signed by Shuaib Belgor, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior. The Minister stated that things will continue to improve in the country as the Muhammadu Buhari administration works to protect Nigerians’ lives and property while also stabilizing the economy.

In 2018, the date for Nigeria’s Democracy Day was changed to June 12 in honour of the late MKO Abiola, the presumed winner of the June 12, 1993, presidential election.

Democracy Day commemorates the handover of power from the military to an elected civilian government in 1999, marking the start of the country’s longest period of civilian governance since its independence from colonial rule in 1960.

Beginning in the year 2000, it has been an annual tradition.