The Oyo State Government, on Saturday, gave reasons why it decided not to declare a public holiday for Hijrah 1442 AH, which was observed in the state on Friday.
The Chief Press Secretary to the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, who spoke on an Impact Business Radio 92.5 FM programme, Bottomline, in Ibadan, said the decision was taken by the government after a discussion on the matter.
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An Islamic group, NACOMYO, and other Islamic interest groups in the state had berated the state government for not declaring a holiday to celebrate the occasion.
However, the CPS warned politicians with interest in 2023, who he said were masquerading and using religious leaders to push sentiments that bordered on religion, to desist from such path, adding that the people of the state would always see through their shenanigans.
He further said such people would not succeed in derailing the government of Engr. Makinde, which according to him, had so far shown that it meant well for the people of the state through several policies and programmes.