- Tinubu, Akpabio, Abbas, governors, CAN, others seek unity in messages
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday urged Nigerians to rededicate themselves to the collective task of rebuilding the country.
In his Eid-el-Fitr message, he stressed unity and togetherness as critical factors in nation-building.
“We are the sculptor, and Nigeria is the clay; we build it the way we desire,” President Tinubu said.
Also, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, governors and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) urged Nigerians to imbibe the virtues of tolerance, sacrifice and peace.
According to a statement by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, President Tinubu rejoiced with Muslim Ummah, praying that their sacrifices during the Month of Ramadan, and afterwards, will receive the fitting rewards.
It said: “President Tinubu felicitates the Muslim Ummah at Eid-el-Fitr, an auspicious occasion that signifies the end of Ramadan; a hallowed season which reflects total submission to God Almighty and to His command of sacrifice and service to humankind.
“The President greets the Muslim faithful in Nigeria and all around the world, praying that their supplications and sacrifices this season and even after will receive the fitting rewards from Almighty Allah.
“As he emphasised during an Iftar with Nigeria’s leaders of thought and conscience, President Tinubu appeals to all citizens to come together and rededicate themselves to the noble duty of building the nation.
“The President prays that the lessons, blessings, and the joys of this season abide with us always while wishing Nigerians, Happy Eid-el-Fitr celebrations.”
Akpabio seeks peace, unity
Akpabio congratulated Muslims, wishing them Eid Mubarak.
According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Eseme Eyiboh, the Senate President urged Nigerians to pray for peace and unity.
It reads: “On behalf of my family, the people of Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District and indeed the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I heartily rejoice with all the Muslims in Nigeria as they join their counterparts in other parts of the world to celebrate Eid El Fitri.
“I wish all of you a peaceful and sweet celebration and pray the Almighty God to grant your heart desires.”
The Senate President urged Muslims to continue to offer prayers for peace, unity and prosperity of Nigeria saying: “Islam is a religion of peace and if its adherents go to God in prayer with sincerity, He will surely answer.
“I, therefore, ask you to pray for your leaders and the peace and unity of our dear country. I believe with your prayers, Nigeria will overcome its current challenges.
“Wherever you find yourselves, radiate the peace that Islam preaches and the love and care for the less privileged that Prophet Muhammad exemplified.”
Abbas calls for patriotism
Speaker Abbas urged Nigerians to imbibe the spirit of patriotism and remain steadfast in their commitment to unity.
The Speaker, in a Sallah statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, also urged Muslims to internalise the lessons learnt from the Holy Month of Ramadan.
He expressed confidence that the Almighty Allah has answered their prayers and supplication.
Abbas enjoined Muslims to be their brother’s keeper and render a helping hand at all times, noting that one of the lessons learnt from the Holy Month of Ramadan was that of assistance to the needy, which every Muslim should imbibe.
He urged the Muslim faithful to continue to pray for Nigeria even after Ramadan is over, noting that a peaceful and prosperous nation equally needs prayers to sustain its blessings.
Abbas said: “We thank Allah (SWT) for making it possible for us to witness the Holy Month of Ramadan peacefully. We pray that He accepts all our acts of Ibadah.
“As we celebrate the Eid-el-Fitr, I enjoin Nigerians, especially Muslims, to offer prayers for the country and our leaders. Let’s also remain united as a people.”
CAN preaches moral rectitude
CAN called on Nigerians to embrace peace and unity.
It said the Eid-el-Fitri celebration should serve as a reminder of the values of compassion, humility, and generosity that form the foundation of shared humanity.
Amid diverse challenges facing the nation, CAN said Nigerians should draw inspiration from the essence of Eid-el-Fitri to foster peace, harmony and progress.
CAN also admonished leaders at all levels of governance to exhibit moral rectitude and ethical leadership in their service to the nation.
A statement by the President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, said: “CAN extends warm felicitations to our brothers and sisters of the Muslim faith as they celebrate the joyous occasion of Eid-el-Fitri.
“As the Muslim community marks the end of Ramadan, a period of fasting, reflection, and spiritual renewal, we join in recognising the significance of this day and express our solidarity.
“The lessons of Eid-el-Fitri resonate strongly in our quest for a more peaceful and prosperous Nigeria. As we witness the breaking of the fast and the exchange of goodwill among friends and neighbours, let us be reminded of the power of empathy, forgiveness, and understanding in building bridges across religious and cultural divides.
“It is a time to reflect on our common aspirations for a society where justice, equality, and respect for one another prevail.
“In this spirit, CAN calls on leaders at all levels of governance to embody moral rectitude and ethical leadership in their service to the nation.
“Leadership guided by integrity, accountability, and selflessness is essential in steering our country towards a path of sustainable development and unity.
“As we join our Muslim brothers and sisters in celebration, let us recommit ourselves to upholding the values of honesty, transparency, and equity in all our endeavours.
“CAN reaffirms its commitment to promoting interfaith dialogue, understanding, and cooperation for the greater good of our nation.
“Together, let us embrace the diversity that enriches our cultural tapestry and work hand in hand towards a future where peace and prosperity reign supreme.”
Ganduje: support Tinubu administration
The national chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, urged Nigerians to support the Tinubu administration in its efforts to reposition the country.
He thanked the Ummah for their prayers for the country and President Tinubu throughout the Holy month.
He said: “I’m calling on all Nigerians, irrespective of party affiliations, to support our dear President.
“All discerning minds can attest to the fact that President Tinubu has taken some drastic measures to reposition our economy, which have started paying off.
“All we need now is to support the Federal Government to transform the country.“
Ganduje, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary Edwin Olofu, urged Nigerians to imbibe the virtue of sacrifice, which is the core lesson of Ramadan.
He said: “Ramadan is indeed a month of patience. We fast for the sake of Allah by enduring hunger and thirst, extending love to all, especially the less privileged in the society.”
Ganduje said Ramadan regenerates the inner being, encompasses love, and sacrifice, adding that lessons must endure beyond the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations.