‘June 12 is NOT a public holiday’ — presidency clarifies Democracy Day declaration

The declaration of June 12 as Nigeria’s Democracy Day does not make it a public holiday, presidency has clarified.

In a tweet on Friday through its official handle, @asorock, federal government said the clarification was in response to questions raised by the public.

President Muhammadu Buhari had declared June 12 as the new Democracy Day, calling it “a date which in future years will replace May 29th as a national public holiday in celebration of Nigeria Democracy Day.”

NOTICE:

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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

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

“Future years” does not include 2018, presidency clarified.

TheCable understands that even though the ministry of interior is empowered to declare public holidays without legislation, May 29 is already specified by law as a holiday.

The government is avoiding an additional public holiday.