Nigerians React After FG Made U-Turn, Declared Extra Public Holiday

The decision of the Federal Government to declare Thursday, April 11th, 2024, as an additional public holiday for Eid-El-Fitr celebration has sparked reactions among Nigerians.

This announcement follows the initial declaration of Tuesday, April 9th, and Wednesday, April 10th, as public holidays for the same celebration.

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, conveyed this decision in a statement released by the ministry's Permanent Secretary, Aishetu Ndayako. However, Sultan of Sokoto, Saad Abubakar, announced that Eid-el-Fitr would be observed on Wednesday, April 10th, as the new crescent was not sighted on Monday night.

As a result, Muslim faithful in Nigeria will still observe Ramadan fasting on Tuesday. Sultan Abubakar, who is also the President General of Nigeria's Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, based the decision on reports from National Moon Sighting Committees across the country confirming the absence of the new moon sighting.

Following this, the federal government declared Thursday as an additional holiday for the 2024 Eid-El-Fitr celebration.

Below are some reactions from Nigerians to this development:

@DrMel_ wrote: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday as holidays? I wonder what Friday is doing. Can't you see your mates fighting to make my life easy? Fight abeg.

@rukky_nate wrote: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday are all public holidays in Nigeria. Phew! Talk about paid vacation.

@thesheddyking wrote: Why restrict yourself to Wednesday and Thursday when you can simply be jobless and have the rest of the year off?

@StanofLagos wrote: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday are now officially public holidays. God bless every Muslim out there in Jesus name... Amen.

@DrealMb wrote: MAN OF THE PEOPLE. NICE ONE - TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY 😃😃😃

@_Osasu__ wrote: "Did This new Interior Minister just declare Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday as Public Holiday?? When was the last time we had 3 whole days as Public Holiday???

@_Matriach wrote: So the holiday is for Wednesday and Thursday? Great great 👌