FOR THE GREATER GOOD; A RESPONSE TO RENO OMOKIRI.

Dear Reno,
Indeed, you are a great writer; full of words. I enjoy your write ups.
Despite leaving power you have continued to contribute your own quota to the development of the Nigerian state.
There was this article you wrote that particularly caught my interest. It was tilted, 'Holidaying while Rome burns?'.
In that article, you criticised the government for extending the public holiday initially slated for the 5th and 6th of July for the Sallah break by one day.
You mentioned the economic impact of holidaying for three days. You said that in calculating the nation's GDP for the 3rd quarter, the three days will contribute negatively. You equally added that, based on your analysis, Nigeria loses 245 billion Naira for everyday we go on public holiday; hence, the extension of the holiday was grossly miscalculated. You stated that other countries do not have so many holidays: America has 10 while UK has 8. Whereas, in Nigeria it is discretionary.
In all honesty, you are right to a large extent. Every week day counts. In this period in our economy we should try to avoid wastage as much as possible. However, you seem to be attacking the government in a way and manner that is questionable. Before we look at the economic cost, let us consider what necessitated it. The Sallah break was initially scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday. This was on the presumption that the sighting of the moon (which was thought, based on the Sultan's directives) would happen on Monday night, thus ending the Ramadan period. The holiday was meant for the celebration.
Now, the moon was not sighted meaning that the Ramadan would continue for another day, therefore festivities would be postponed for another day. It was only logical for the government to declare a holiday period that would fit into this extension.
Let us not look at other countries in this matter. Those countries you mentioned are not as religious sensitive as Nigeria is. So there are many policies they have that won't work here.
Over there, two Christians can come out to contest as President and Vice President, and no eye brow will be raised. This is the same country where there was outcry because most of the President's appointees came from the north.
If you fail to give a religion (whether Christianity or Islam) a day off to celebrate their festivities, problems would arise. Before you talk about scrapping holidays, you must talk about changing the people's attitudes and mindset towards these things. If not, the'Rome' will begin to burn in a manner worse than the current economic situation is making it burn.
In addition, I'll like to ask- Why did you not come out to speak when public holidays were declared for Easter, Christmas, Boxing day and Good Friday? Those are Christian festivities. You are also a former Special Assistant to former President Jonathan, in whose government we had frequent public holidays too. Why did we not hear your voice? Your party was the one in power.
I will conclude by saying that you made valid points, although they are not tenable. When we change our mindset to desist from religious suspicion, then it may be tenable. It is better to have the holidays we are having and maintain our fragile peace. Charity begins at home. You should start by criticizing Christian-associated public holiday declarations since it is your religion before going to those of another.
Yours Most Respectfully
Patrick Omodia