Buhari’s return: Kogi declares public holiday, rally in Katsina

Kogi State Government has declared Monday as a public holiday for citizens to thank God for safely returning President Muhammadu Buhari to the country.
The Director -General, Media and Publicity to Governor Yahaya Bello, Mr Kingsley Fanwo, said it was to enable the people to give thanks to God for returning  Buhari in sound health and sound mind.
He said that decision was also in line with the support the people of the state had been giving to Buhari in his efforts at correcting the ills of the past and putting the nation on sound economic footing.
“ 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 statement said.
The statement quoted the governor as thanking the people for for standing by the President while undergoing treatment in London and for trooping to Abuja to welcome him.
In a related development, more than 30 civil society groups in Katsina State staged a peaceful rally on Sunday in support of Buhari.
The civil organisations drawn from the 34 local Government Areas of the state, trooped to the Katsina metropolis to express their happiness over the return of President Buhari.
Mr Bashir Ruwangodiya, the state chairman of the coalition of civil society organisations led the groups to the Government House in Katsina where he presented a solidarity letter for onward delivery to the president.
Ruwangodiya said the rally by the groups was an expression of support for Buhari’s safe return to Nigeria following his treatment abroad.
He said that members of the groups were happy with the President’s physical well-being and the strength he exuded when he landed at the airport.
The state chairman said that the groups would continue to support the President’s anti corruption crusade.
He called on Nigerians to give the Buhari all the necessary support he would need to discharge his constitutional role as President.
While receiving the groups, Governor Aminu Masari praised Nigerians for their steadfastness in prayers and the expression of support for the President while he was away.
Masari stated that the President’s safe return to Nigeria is the handiwork of the Almighty God and an indication that He has answered the prayers of Nigerians and friends of the country.
According to the governor, both Muslim and Christians never relented in their prayers in Mosques and Churches for the quick recovery of the President and his safe return to the country.
He said that he had spoken with the President about a week ago during which Buhari expressed his sincere appreciation for the prayers and moral support Nigerians offered on his behalf.