BY UKPA EKE EWA, AWKA
Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor on Tuesday asked federal government to harmonise the two days set aside for the swearing in of a new government and democracy day.
He said the move would go a long way to reducing the huge and unnecessary costs involved in both ceremonies.
The National Assembly had on May 16, 2018, passed the amendment to the National Holiday Act to move Nigeria’s Democracy Day from May 29 to June 12.
The Senate at the plenary passed the amendment in concurrence with the House of Representatives which approved the new date earlier in December 2018.
Addressing newsmen in Awka, the cleric argued that although the government had assured of a low keyed swearing in ceremony, there was no way expenses would not be incured during the event.
He said, “I think the government should be able to know where they are going. I know the issue of June 12 came up because certain persons needed to be appeased.
“For me, there’s no need having two ceremonies almost simultaneously. What it means is that every May 29 and June 12 of each year, something will happen.
“Whether you call it low key or high key, the truth is that something must go out of government coffers.
“Two of them can neatly be brought together to be recognized reduce cost.”
Ezeokafor congratulated President Muhammadu Buhari on his successful completion of his four years tenure, praying his second term would be far better than the first.
“We consider it necessary to appeal to the conscience of the President and his team to address the myriad of challenges bedeviling the nation to ensure peace, justice and equity” he said.