President Goodluck Jonathan has reaffirmed his administration’s “absolute and immutable commitment to the unity and indivisibility of the Nigerian nation”.
In a Sallah message, yesterday, Jonathan congratulated the Muslim Ummah for the successful completion of the fasting period.
A statement signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Communication, Reuben Abati, said:
”On behalf of himself and the Federal Government of Nigeria, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan congratulates all followers of the Islamic faith in the country who have successfully concluded this year’s Ramadan fast.
”President Jonathan rejoices with all Muslims in the country as Nigeria joins the rest of the world in celebrating Eid-El-Fitri which marks the end of the month-long annual fast.
”He prays that Almighty Allah will grant them all the rewards promised to the faithful for the pious observance of its injunctions of piety, abstinence, self-discipline, constant prayer and charity.
”Against the background of persisting challenges to unity, harmony and peaceful co-existence in the country, President Jonathan seizes the opportunity of the Eid-El-Fitri celebrations to reaffirm his administration’s absolute and immutable commitment to the unity and indivisibility of the Nigerian nation.
”The President assures all Nigerians once again that the imperatives of national unity, peace, harmony, collective development and progress will continue to inspire and motivate all policies and actions of his administration”.
Let’s unite and love one another – Atiku
In his own message, a former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, asked Muslims to unite behind the country’s leaders in the efforts to find a lasting solution to the problems of poverty and insecurity bedeviling the nation.
”On the blessed and joyous occasion of the Eid-el-Fitr after the rigorous and spiritually uplifting Ramadan fast, I urge Muslims and all Nigerians alike to embrace the common goal and unity, which the Ramadan essentially manifests,” Atiku said.
He said without unity, Nigerians cannot build a prosperous, modern nation-state.
He challenged all Muslims and the other citizens to avoid hatred, anger and revenge in view of the current national dispensation.
PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has initiated talks with Atiku Abubakar
According to the erstwhile Vice President, leaders also have a duty to identify with the problems of those who put them into office. He stated that poverty is a potential threat to social stability and that leaders at all levels must work with greater commitment to tackle this urgent task facing democratic governance.
Reflect on your spiritual life – Tambuwal
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, at Sallah, urged Muslims to use the period of the Eid-el-Fitr Sallah celebration to reflect on their spiritual life as individuals and how they can contribute more meaningfully towards making Nigeria a greater nation.
Tambuwal said the steadfastness and devotion shown by Muslims during the Ramadan Fast was a reflection of their service to the Almighty Allah who will reward them abundantly.
According to him: “The long period of self restraint and self purification was a great spiritual exercise that has its heavenly blessings,. it is only those who are genuinely convinced in their chosen faith that can successfully undergo the process.”
While congratulating the Muslims for the Sallah festivities, the Speaker further enjoined all Nigerians in general to imbibe the spirit of tolerance, love and good neighbourliness amongst themselves as exemplified by the Prophet Mohammed (SAW).
Chime urges commitment to national unity
GOVERNOR Sullivan Chime of Enugu State, in another message, urged Nigerians to use the occasion of the Eid-el-Fitri celebrations to re-dedicate themselves to values and virtues that would promote tolerance, brotherhood and unity among all groups in the country.
The governor said the celebration offered Nigerians the opportunity to reflect on Allah’s love and compassion for mankind and to ensure that they extended similar attitudes to one another. He commended Muslims in Enugu State for the contributions and sacrifices they have continued to make towards the rapid development of the state..
Obi celebrates with Muslims
Governor Peter Obi joined the Muslim community in Anambra State to break the Ramadan Fast at the Central Mosque Awka. Obi, who led a delegation, called for collective efforts to sustain the corporate existence of the country. He said he attended the prayer as the governor of Anambra State.
The governor said the country belongs to all Nigerians and every citizen had the right to live free in any part of the country without fear.
He explained that peaceful and harmonious co-existence will further solidify stability and create conducive business environment that will attract more investors to strengthen the national economy.
Mimiko Calls For Dedication To The Nigeria Project
Ondo State Governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, called for more dedication to the Nigeria project “.
Mimiko made the call in his Sallah message, urging the “nation to take advantage of the Ramadan to usher in a new era into the country devoid of conflict, blood letting and traces of evil”.
He said: “The long period of self restraint and self purification was a great spiritual exercise that should not be allowed to come and go in vain.
”We must allow for the impact of the just concluded spiritual exercise on our nation because we cannot afford to remain the same. The spiritual exercise should usher in the rebirth of Nigerians for a more peaceful and enviable Nigerianation”.
Amaechi preaches peace, national rebirth
Rivers State Governor and Chairman of the Nigeria Governor’s Forum, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, in his message, called for peace and unity amongst Nigerians in line with the spiritual rebirth gained by muslims during the holy month of Ramadan.
He rejoiced with all Muslims on the successful completion of the 2012 Ramadan fasting, urging them to continue to pray for peace and progress in Nigeria.
“This is most crucial especially at this challenging time of our nation’s history. Nigerians should forget ethnic and religious differences and join hands as one nation to build a better and unified country,” Amaechi said.
Aregbesola calls for unity
Osun State governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, charged Nigerians to let peace and unity reign in their uppermost minds for the country to be in the path of glory, progress, growth and sustainable development.
Aregbesola, at Sallah, noted that as a nation, what the people, leaders and followers need to do is to come together and forge a harmonious relationship for the betterment of the country.
He called on the Muslim faithful to draw abundantly from the lessons of Ramadan, which include spirit of commitment, Spartan discipline, obedience and love of Allah, and apply them to their fellow human beings irrespective of ethnic and religious differences.
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