The Federal Government has declared Friday, February 22, 2019, as a public holiday, ahead of the February 23 Presidential and National Assembly elections coming up on Saturday.
Minister of Interior, Lt. Gen. Bello Dambazau (retd), announced the decision in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.
The statement was signed by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Georgina Ehuriah.
According to the statement, however, the holiday excludes bankers and those offering essential services across the nation.
The statement reads: “The Federal Government declares Friday, February 22, 2019 as work-free day. Those providing essential duties and bankers are excluded.
“The work-free day is to enable citizens return to their polling units for the reschedule Presidential and National Assembly elections.”
“Security agencies have been directed to ensure safety of lives and property before, during and after the general election.”