Political crisis: Ivorians get two holidays for the price of one
Abidjan -The political crisis in Cote d’Ivoire has paid off for public servants as the two presidents declared varying days for the celebration of the Eid el Maouloud.

Internationally recognised President Alassane Ouattara declared Wednesday for rest, while the embattled Laurent Gbagbo declared Tuesday as a public holiday.

Gbagbo’s declaration was read on national television, RTI, on Monday night, while Ouattara’s declaration was issued by the Minister of Civil Service, Gnamien Konan.

Konan said the public should come after the Muslim celebration and public servants would be paid.

There was  lull in activity on most Abidjan streets, with shops owned by Lebanese business men all closed.

Banks, public offices were also closed on Tuesday.

“Finally, the crisis paid off to our advantage. We hope that conflicting signals like this continue to favour us,’’ a public servant, Ally Coulibaly, said.

The two public holiday dates pitted the Higher Council of Imams against the National Islamic Council, both sided, respectively, with Ouattara and Gbagbo in their arguments for a suitable date.  (NAN)