Buhari's Return: Kogi declares public holiday

The Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, has declared Monday, as public holiday and Thanksgiving Day for the safe return of President Muhammadu Buhari to the country.

The day has been set aside to thank the God for the safe return of Buhari in sound health and sound mind.

A statement by the director general, media and publicity to the governor, Kingsley Fanwo, on Sunday said the gesture was in line with the support of the people of the state for the president.

He said, “The gesture is in line with the support of Kogi people for the renaissance of our nation by Mr President.”

“We urge Kogites to also use the occasion of the public holiday to pray for Mr President as he resumes his responsibilities of repositioning Nigeria.”

The governor lauded the people for standing by Buhari and for trooping to Abuja in large number to welcome him back to the country.

Bello, who further described Buhari as “an African icon who is a nightmare to corruption”, said the Nigerian President is adored around the world “for his vision and commitment to the greatness of Nigeria”.

He said, “Nigeria was almost a globally blacklisted state due to institutionalized corruption until the advent of the man whom world leaders respect as the antidote for corruption came on the stage to reverse the trend. Mr Integrity is the singular reason the world is having hope in a prosperous Nigeria.”

“Let me thank Nigerians for standing firmly with the man who has restored their hopes. Nigerians prayed fervently for the recovery of Mr President and their prayers have been answered.”

“With the return of Mr President, we are reassured that good governance will continue to be the lot of our nation. The Acting President has displayed competence, loyalty and patriotism throughout his stint. It is a testimony that our party is a gourd of great leaders.”

Bello urged Nigerians to continue to support the change initiative of the Federal Government, insisting that Nigeria is better than it was two years ago.

“We are witnessing a transition from a badly damaged economy to recovery. We are seen how gradually, the Federal Government is rebounding the economy of our great nation. Economic growth is gradually becoming visible. Nigeria will continue to witness progress,” he said.