Eid-el-Kabir: Tinubu, Governors Felicitates with Muslims
President Bola Tinubu has felicitated with Muslims in Nigeria and all over the world on this year’s Eid-el-Kabir celebration.
In his Sallah message to Nigerians, he gave assurance that his government will make the country a better place for all.
In a statement he personally signed, the president said it was true that Nigeria was going through a difficult time, but that there is hope ahead.
“At the moment, our country is going through some challenges especially with our struggling economy and simmering security challenges. While I acknowledge all of these, I want to assure you that they are not insurmountable. I am working day and night with my team, fleshing out solutions. We have started with the decisions taken so far, to reform our economy and remove all impediments to growth.
“As we embrace the present challenges, we must face the future with vigour and Renewed Hope with the confidence that our tomorrow shall be better and brighter,” he said.
According to him, Eid-el-Kabir coming at the end of religious activities spanning the first ten days of the Islamic Month of Dhul Hijjah enjoins the faithful to show mercy and compassion to fellow humans.
He further explained that Eid-el-Kabir is a festival of sacrifice and total obedience to Allah as exemplified in the exceptional action of Prophet Ibrahim.
He said there is no greater sense of duty recorded in history than the ennobling example of Prophet Ibrahim in offering his only son Ismail as a sacrifice to Allah.
“The best way by which we can demonstrate this example is in how we conduct ourselves in relation to our fellow citizens and in our duties to our beloved country.
“We must imbibe and manifest those values inherent in Prophet Ibrahim’s life, namely – complete devotion to Allah, tolerance, patience, perseverance, selflessness, love and compassion.”
Former President Muhammadu Buhari, in his Sallah message, wished Nigerian Muslims a happy Eid and to those on pilgrimage, Hajj Mabrur and a safe return home.
In a statement by his media aide, Garba Shehu said “leading a country like Nigeria is one of the hardest challenges in life” and urged Nigerians to fully support the Tinubu administration to succeed.
“Leadership is a challenging task that demands the sacrifices and support of the citizens,” he said.
President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, in his goodwill message, urged Muslims not to forget the tenets of the season, which are love, obedience and perseverance, as they celebrate.
He also urged Nigerians to eschew bitterness, and hatred and imbibe the spirit of love, unity and faith during the celebration, noting that “it is only in a state of peace and tranquillity that governments at all levels would be able to get the country out of its current economic situation”.
In his message, the speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, called on Nigerians to pray for the unity, peace and progress of the country. Abbas urged the citizens to use the occasion to pray for the success of the administration of President Tinubu while calling for their spiritual and moral support for all elected and appointed leaders nationwide.
“It is a time to thank Almighty Allah for His grace and mercy upon our nation. It is a time to reflect on the prospects and the brighter future ahead of the nation. It is also a time to pray for the success of our leaders, as they move to tackle the challenges facing the country, counting on the prayers and support of the people,” he said.
Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, asked Nigerians to seek God’s blessings to elevate the country “to a path of peace, harmony, and prosperity” while also enjoining them to live a life of sacrifice,
Abubakar said the significance of the celebration is about the “profitability of being patient with God in our affairs as human beings, and most especially, as Muslims.
“We are also enjoined to follow the footsteps of the prophets, especially Prophet Muhammad, which means that we must live our everyday life as a sacrifice, not just for our families, but the communities where we find ourselves.”
Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, called on Nigerians, especially the Muslim Umma, to intensify their prayers for the security and prosperity of the nation.
Obi in his Sallah message via tweeter, said: “An intense prayer for our dear country has become very necessary more than ever before as our nationhood is in dire need of divine intervention to survive.
“Our economy is already under severe stress, the currency is losing value daily, unemployment and inflation rising at unprecedented speed, and people living in multi-dimensional poverty are increasing by the day.”
For his part, Oyo State governor, Mr Seyi Makinde, who appreciated the Muslims for their support and prayers, called on them to continue to pray for his administration, the state and Nigeria.
According to the governor, the continued peace and prosperity of Oyo State and the success of his government are hinged on the prayers and support of the people.
Niger State governor, Mohammed Bago urged Muslims to imbibe the virtues of love, obedience, and sacrifices as exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim. The Governor stressed the significance of Eid-El-Kabir to Muslims and called on them to use the occasion to deepen their faith and submission to the will of Allah.
Enugu State governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, while felicitating with Muslims, called on both the Muslim Ummah and other Nigerians to make uncommon sacrifices for the development of the country and further urged them to sustain the spirit of the Sallah celebration which encapsulates peace, love, unity, progress, neighbourliness, development and nation-building, promising to forge a common front for the wellness of the society.
The apex northern socio cultural group. Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), has also greeted Muslims as they celebrate the Eid-el Kabir.
ACF, in a statement Ina statement signed by its chairman, Architect Gabriel Aduku, enjoined Nigerians to emulate the teachings and sacrifice therein, to pray for the Nation, pray for peace and unity as well as pray for Allah’s special intervention in the country’s socioeconomic wellbeing.
The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, extended warm felicitations to Muslim faithful in the country urging all Nigerians to embrace peace, unity, and love for one another. In a press statement yesterday, CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, highlighted the significance of the Eid-el-Kabir celebration, which commemorates the values of sacrifice, love, and obedience.
“We join our Muslim brothers and sisters in marking this auspicious occasion and call on all Nigerians to put aside our differences and work together to build a stronger, more united, and prosperous nation,” he said.
