President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday felicitated with all Nigerians of the Islamic faith as they celebrate this year’s Eid-el-Kabir. He also congratulated all Nigerian Muslims who are currently in the Saudi Arabia to participate in the rites of the Hajj, his Senior Special Assistant (Media & Publicity), Garba Shehu, said.

“As they join the global Islamic community in celebrating Eid-El-Kabir, President Buhari urges Muslims and other Nigerians to rededicate themselves to a greater acceptance and internalisation of its lessons of piety, faithfulness, dedication, fortitude, obedience, sacrifice and selfless service which are for the benefit of all mankind,” Shehu said.

“The President,” he said, “calls for more patience, fortitude, tolerance, endurance, patriotism and a greater willingness to make personal sacrifices for the good of all as his administration strives to lead the nation towards rapidly overcoming its current security, economic and developmental challenges.

“President Buhari assures all Nigerians that their safety, well-being and progress remain uppermost in his thoughts and actions, and that he will continue to work with all his might to deliver the positive changes in national life which they expect after his election and inauguration as Head of the Government of the Federation.

“The President seizes this opportunity to extend heartfelt commiserations to families in Maiduguri and North-Eastern Nigeria who have sadly lost beloved relatives in recent terrorist attacks.

“President Buhari’s thoughts and prayers for Divine solace are with all those who have been callously plunged into mourning by mindless terrorists, when others are celebrating this year's Eid-El-Kabir.

“The President has directed the Armed Forces and national security agencies to provide maximum security across the nation during Eid-El-Kabir prayers and celebrations, especially in areas most vulnerable to terrorist attacks.

“President Buhari assures all Nigerians that the days of Boko Haram are numbered.

“Boko Haram’s reign of terror in parts of the country will be finally over very soon as the ongoing military onslaught against the terrorist sect will continue relentlessly until total victory is achieved.”

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in its message wished Nigerian Muslims successful, joyous and peaceful celebrations. In a statement issued in Lagos by its National Publicity

Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said since sacrifice lies at the core of Eid-el-Kabir, it is also pertinent to commend all Nigerians for their sacrifice all through the years for the emergence of a better Nigeria.

“Being the first Eid-el-Kabir to be celebrated since the change train arrived in our country, we thank all our compatriots for their support and personal sacrifice that have seen Nigeria emerging, gradually but steadily, from years of bad governance, impunity, unbridled corruption and neglect of the larger population.

“In particular, we commend our gallant soldiers, many of whom have paid the supreme sacrifice, for continuing to stand up for the unity and cohesion of our dear country. We assure them of our unqualified support as they remain in battle, even during this moment of celebration, to ensure our safety and security and to crush the terrorists who have killed and maimed many innocent citizens,” he said.

APC prayed that just as Allah accepted the sacrifice of Ibrahim when he totally surrendered to the will of God by his willingness to sacrifice his son, the sacrifice of all Nigerians will be accepted in such a way as to make the country a proud member of the comity of nations again, with an economy that grows for the benefit of all, not for a few fat cats, and a country that is so safe and secure that all can live a better life and reach the zenith of their chosen careers.

“We appeal to all our compatriots to continue to support our president in his daunting task of steering the country towards peace, security and prosperity, and be ready to make even more sacrifice for a better Nigeria,” the party said

From Delta State came a message from Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, felicitating with the entire Muslim population but with a charge to them to embrace unity and sharing of whatever they have for the celebration with neighbours.

In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Charles Aniagwu Ehiedu, Governor Okowa enjoined the Muslim Ummah to use the opportunity of this year’s festive season to demonstrate the essence of unity among the various ethnic groups that make up the country.

“Religion is a binding cord which espouses unity with a forward-looking resilience and every adherent who values his or her faith cannot afford to break from it,” the governor stated.

He reminded the Muslim faithful of the need to share whatever they have with their nieghbours as a mark of love in accordance with the injunctions of Prophet Muhammed.

The governor who noted that the current level of crime and violence in the society could be moderated if the haves are magnanimous enough to open their doors to the have-nots, said that there cannot be a more fitting time to reach-out to the less privileged than now.

While congratulating Muslims for this year’s Eid –el Kabir celebration, he asked Muslim faithful to use the occasion to pray for the new government and the recovery of the nation’s economy.

Similarly, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State felicitated with the Muslim faithful on the occasion of their celebration of Eid-el-kabir in commomeration of the willingness of Ibrahim to obey and follow Allah's command to sacrifice his son, Ishmael.

Ikpeazu said he also wished the Abia Muslim community on this holy occasion a peaceful and joyous celebration.

In a goodwill message to the Muslim faithful, endorsed by his Chief Press Secretary, Godwin Adindu, Ikpeazu expressed his love and that of the government and people of Abia State for the Muslim brethren and enjoined them to use the occasion of the Eid-el-kabir to preach and promote peace and harmony in the state and in the country.

The governor also urged the entire Muslim faithful in Nigeria to imbibe the significance of the celebration which includes forgiveness of one another and obedience to Allah who is love and peace to mankind.

He also commended the Abia Muslim community for being a partner in progress with government in the effort to uphold peace and unity of the country, adding that the Muslims in the state were good patriots and ambassadors of not only the state but Nigeria in general.

Ikpeazu said he was happy that the Muslims in Abia were genuine followers of the true teachings of Allah and the precepts of the prophet as they have demonstrated this in their life of tolerance and spirit of oneness.

Still in Abia, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Martins Okechukwu Azubuike, admonished the Muslims faithful in Nigeria, especially in Abia State, to use this year’s Eid-el Kabir celebration to promote love, mutual sacrifice and peaceful coexistence.

In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary Prince Clinton Uba, the speaker reminded Muslims all over the world that having unflinching faith in Allah as exemplified by Prophet Ibraham who because of his faith, was about sacrificing his only son has its good tidings as Allah provided a lamb for that purpose thus, the celebration Eid-el Kabir.

The speaker urged Muslims in Abia to make the fear of Allah and sacrifice for our father land, the foundation of this year’s celebration.

He noted that Nigeria is faced with many challenges like bad roads, poor health care delivering, unemployment, kidnapping, terrorism and other socio-economic development indices and advised them to use this year’s celebration to pray for leaders as enshrined in the Holy Koran as they work hard to deliver dividends of democracy to the people.

Rt. Hon. Azubuike assured the Muslim community in Abia State of their continued protection, peace and love as he urge them to see Abia as their home.

•Photo shows President Buhari.

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