President Muhammadu Buhari; President of the Senate, Senator Ahmad Lawan; former Vice President Atiku Abubakar; National Leader of All Progressives Congress, APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu; state governors, among others has congratulated Nigerian Muslims on the completion of this year’s Ramadan fast, pleading with them to pray against the security challenges facing the country.
Specifically, President Buhari asked Nigerians to pray against kidnapping, banditry and blackmail.
According to a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, Buhari in his Eid-el-Fitr message, entitled “On the occasion of Eid,” called for unity and solidarity, saying: “On this blessed occasion, I wish that the Eid festival brings with it peace, safety, security, brotherhood and love amongst all. “Unity and solidarity among all citizens, Muslims and Christians are imperative, especially at a time when our country is faced with multiple challenges, which are surmountable only when we come together as one. “It is important that we remember how we share, through our faiths, common bonds that should serve to unite us and not allow ourselves to succumb to those who seek to divide us, using our two great religions, for their own selfish advantages. “We should jointly pray against the tragic incidents of kidnapping and banditry and the desperate quest for political power expressed through blackmail against the existence of our country as a united entity. “We must resist the temptation to retreat into our communities. I urge our political and religious leaders as well as traditional rulers to encourage our citizens to turn towards one another in love and compassion.” Lawan On his part, the Senate President in a statement by his Special Adviser, Media, Ola Awoniyi, said among others, “Because of the current security and economic challenges, our country, Nigeria, needs the prayers of every patriot now more than ever before to achieve the peace, unity and progress that were the dreams of the founding fathers. “I assure us that the government, including the National Assembly, will not waver in its determination to provide robust security in the country that guarantees every law-abiding citizen the liberty to live in peace and pursue legitimate businesses anywhere they choose.
Atiku Similarly, former Vice President Abubakar said: “As Muslims, we need to remind ourselves of our obligation to ensuring peace and unity within our family and in our neighbourhood at all times. Today, across Nigeria, there is a scary and growing tendency to mistrust along ethnic and religious lines. “As Muslims, we know from both the Holy Quran and the Sunnah of Noble Prophet Muhammed (SAW) that no tribe or race is superior to another, except the one that seeks piety to the Almighty Allah. “We do not attain piety through hate or blood-letting. We attain piety through forbearance and by sharing love. That is the message that we must give some reflection as we celebrate Eid today.” Tinubu Also, Asiwaju Tinubu in his message entitled, “Let righteous acts, efforts of Ramadan continue to guide our actions,” among others, said: “We must never condone and tolerate the works and words of those, who would do evil or who would pitch brother against brother, Nigerian against Nigerian. Let us put politics aside and continue to pray to Almighty Allah for our country and all its people. “Let us remember President Muhammadu Buhari and his government in our prayers that they may be given the requisite strength and wisdom to protect the nation, defeat the challenges that confront us and help establish Nigeria as a more prosperous and just land.” Lalong Chairman of Northern Governors Forum, NGF, and Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State, through his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Dr Makut Macham, urged the Muslim faithful to continue to demonstrate faith in the prayers He said God did not make a mistake by creating Nigeria with all its diversities, and would not allow evil to prevail to destroy the country. He said: “Although Nigeria is currently experiencing troubling times, hope must not be lost because hard times do not last forever. The current security situation demands more action from both government and citizens, who must work together to expose bad elements desperate to make Nigeria an unstable entity.” Sanwo-Olu Also, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, in his message, among others, said: “Today, I join millions of people around the world, to wish our Muslim brothers and sisters in Lagos State and in Nigeria happy Eid-el-Fitri. “For the Muslims, today’s celebration is very unique. It is a feast to mark the end of a month-long spiritual renewal after 30 days of fasting, prayers and other religious acts. READ ALSO: SALLAH: Buhari, Lawan, govs
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