BY VICTORIA OJEME
ABUJA— The Federal Government has declared Tuesday, February 15, 2011 as public holiday to commemorate the Eid -el Maulud (birthday of the Holy Prophet Mohammed).

A statement from the Ministry of Interior signed by Assistant Director in charge of Press, Ogaziechi Theodore, said the Minister of Interior, Captain Emmanuel Ihenacho, advised all Muslim faithful to pray for the peace and stability of the country.

According to the statement issued in Abuja, “The Minister of Interior, Captain Emmanuel Ihenacho who made this declaration on behalf of the President and Commander_in_Chief, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, wishes to use this opportunity to urge all Muslim faithful to pray for enduring peace and progress of the country especially as the nation prepares for general elections this year”.

“Captain Ihenacho also wishes all Nigerians a pleasant and happy holiday” it added.