• PDP, Shettima, Buhari, Abdulsalami, Sultan sue for peace, prayers
From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja, Timothy Olanrewaju, Maiduguri and John Adams, Minna
President Bola Tinubu has urged Nigerians to prioritise the exhibition of love for the country and defend its integrity.
He also charged them to continue to have faith in his government and remain patriotic citizens.
He spoke in Lagos when he joined the Muslim faithful to observe Eid-el-Fitr prayers, led by the Chief Imam of Lagos State, Sulaiman Abou-Nolla.
Addressing newsmen after the prayers at the Eid Ground at the Dodan Barracks, yesterday, Tinubu said the Renewed Hope Agenda of his administration aimed at bringing prosperity to Nigerians was being implemented diligently.
Encouraging Muslims celebrating the conclusion of Ramadan to extend the values of sacrifice and resilience beyond the fasting period, Tinubu said: “The resilience and sacrifice that we have shown and made during these months should be preserved. Be a kind and cheerful giver. We must love our country more than any other country, because that is the only one we have.
“We must continue to protect the integrity of our government and leadership.
“The Renewed Hope Agenda is alive, well and fine, and Nigerians should continue to be very hopeful. Without hope, there is no salvation. Without hope, there is no development. Without hope, there is no life. Eid Mubarak.”
While leading the prayer session, Sheik Nolla said fasting has great blessings.
Noting that fasting was one of the five pillars of Islam, the Imam said the month of Ramadan is the month of grace, mercies, forgiveness and acceptance of prayers.
The cleric called for unity among Nigerians, stressing that togetherness and unity in diversity remained key to national development.
While calling on government across all levels to provide succour to the people, the cleric urged the citizens to be disciplined, law-abiding and ensure peace and harmony in various communities.
Earlier in his sermon, the chief imam urged Nigerians to shun all acts of violence, ensure peaceful co-existence, and continue to have faith in the country.
He asked those in leadership positions to remain faithful to their oaths of office and work towards alleviating the suffering of the less privileged.
‘‘Let us not forget our brothers and sisters in Gaza and other areas of conflict,” he said.
He offered prayers for God’s guidance, wisdom, and protection for President Tinubu and the Lagos State government, as well as for peace and stability in the country.
VP, Zulum call for more prayer
Vice President Kashim Shettima and Governor Babagan Zulum were among thousands of Muslims that observed their prayers in Maiduguri.
Imam Idaini of Borno, Shettima Saleh, who led the Eid prayer at Ramat Square, Borno main Eid Ground, urged all Muslims to continue to live with the virtues learnt during the month-long Ramadan fast.
Governor Zulu urged the people to step up their prayers for peace to reign in Borno and Nigeria.
“I also want to urge the people of Borno State to be law-abiding and patient with the government. We are doing everything possible to reduce the hardship faced by our people,” he said.
Buhari canvasses support for leaders
Former president, Muhammadu Buhari, has urged Nigerians to support their leaders from the lowest to the topmost at this crucial juncture of our democracy.
Speaking with newsmen in Daura, shortly after observing the Eid prayer, yesterday morning, the former president congratulated fellow Muslims on the successful completion of the 30-day Ramadan fasting and the performance of the Eid, and urged “all citizens to support our leaders from the local government level to the highest at the centre in their efforts to transform the development landscape of the nation.
“Support for our leaders,” he further said, “is a vote for a better tomorrow. It is imperative that we stand united in safeguarding the sovereignty and integrity of our nation, and call on contestants to political offices in our elections to always ensure a smooth succession from one administration to another without stoking communal tensions and obstructing development, irrespective of political party affiliation.”
The former president expressed his appreciation to the people of Daura, his hometown, and the state in general for giving him a warm welcome as indicated by the massive crowd at the Eid prayer ground.
He expressed his happiness at being in the midst of his people after he finished his term as president.
Sultan: Pray for leaders
Sultan of Sokoto and President General of the National Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Sa’ad Abubakar, has encouraged the Muslim Ummah to actively pursue knowledge to strengthen their faith.
In his Eid message, Abubakar emphasised the importance of continuing to pray for leaders and prosperity of the country.
“We should express gratitude to Almighty Allah for granting us the gift of life and good health, allowing us to observe the 30 days of fasting and celebrate Eid-el-Fitr.
“Today marks a significant day in Islam as Muslims worldwide commemorate the conclusion of Ramadan and the Eid-el-Fitr festivities.
“Moreover, let us perpetuate the spirit of compassion and support for one another, as demonstrated during the month of Ramadan, and extend assistance to those in need,” he said.
The Sultan commended the Sokoto State government for its commitment and collaboration with Muslim scholars to foster unity.
He also praised the government’s ongoing efforts to support the less privileged, civil servants, and ensure the security and progress of the state.
Meanwhile, Governor Ahmed Aliyu urged the Muslim community in the state to uphold the virtues of Ramadan to attract Allah’s abundant mercy and forgiveness.
Aliyu, in his Eid message to the Muslim community following the conclusion of the 2024 Ramadan fast, implored affluent individuals in the state to demonstrate compassion and generosity toward the less fortunate to earn Allah’s blessings.
Abdulsalami, Bago, others sue for peace
Former head of state, Abdulsalami Abubakar, Niger State Governor, Umar Bago and former governor, Babangida Aliyu, have called on Nigerians, especially Muslims fateful to imbibe the teachings of the Ramadan to ensure peaceful co-existence.
In separate interviews shortly after observing the prayers at the Minna praying ground, the leaders believed peaceful co-existence was needed by all Nigerians to be able to overcome the present economic challenges facing the country.
Abdulsalami pointed out that Ramadan has taught Muslims all over the world a lesson to be each others’ keeper and maintain peaceful co-existence.
He pointed out that the peaceful atmosphere and maintenance of peace enjoyed during the Ramadan should be sustained for the good of the country, adding that nothing can be achieved in an atmosphere of crisis and public disturbance.
Aliyu said some Muslims were just Muslims by name, saying they had failed to internalise the good teaching of Islam which symbolises peace.
He said Muslims must allow the teaching of Islam which is a way of life becoming part of them, stressing that “we must internalise the actual teaching of Islam so that it will become part of us but this is lacking in most Muslims today. Many are just Muslims by name and not in practice.”
Also speaking after observing the prayer at the Kontagora praying ground where he spent the Sallah, Governor Bago called on Muslim faithful to continue to imbibe the lessons learnt in the month of Ramadan.
He emphasised the need for Muslims to remain selfless, show kindness and maintain good neighbourliness and continue to pray to God for peace in the land.
Senator representing Niger North and former governor, Abubakar Bello, in his message, expressed gratitude to Allah for witnessing another Eid-El-Fitr and pray to Allah to continue to protect the country and bring an end to all forms of insecurity.
PDP tasks leaders on selfless service
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), yesterday, called on Nigeria’s leaders, at all levels, to prioritise the wellbeing of citizens, especially at this critical time in the nation’s life.
In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, in Abuja, the party also urged the leaders to use the occasion of the Eid-el-Fitr celebration for soul-searching that would promote selflessness, honesty, transparency, justice and fairness.
The party congratulated Nigerians, especially Muslim faithful on the Eid-el-Fitr celebration, urging them to allow the lessons from Ramadan to guide their lives.
“Eid-el-Fitr offers us the divine pathway to re-dedicate to a life of love, forgiveness, abnegation, restraint, tolerance, temperance, unity, mutual understanding, peaceful co-existence, care and compassion for one another,” PDP said.
It added that it was important for Nigerians to have faith in God as well as obey His commands in all their dealings.
The party urged Nigerians not to allow hardship in the country to weaken their love and support for one another.
It said Nigerians should be resolute in their pursuit of a better Nigeria.
It called on good-spirited Nigerians and organisations to use the occasion of Eid-el-Fitr celebration to further extend hands of love to the less-privileged.
Eid-el-fitr: Northern senators urge prayers for Tinubu
Northern Senators’ Forum (NSF) has called on Nigerians to pray for President Bola Tinubu for a positive turnaround in the nation’s fortunes.
Chairman of the forum, Abdulaziz Yar’adua, said it was incumbent upon Nigerians to offer prayers for the president and the leadership of the country at all levels.
“This is as we strive to enhance our national fortunes and uplift the standard of living for all Nigerians.
“NSF extends heartfelt greetings to our Muslim brothers and sisters at home and across the globe, as we mark the conclusion of Ramadan and prepare to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr, the festival of fast-breaking.
“As we bask in the blessings of this sacred occasion, we pray that Allah has accepted our acts of worship and that He continues to safeguard our beloved Nigeria. Let us persist in our endeavours to foster a peaceful and cohesive society that cherishes the principles of liberty, human dignity and prosperity for all,” he said.
The lawmaker congratulated the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubaka III, who is also the president general of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs and all Muslim organisations and brethren for observing Ramadan.
He said the month of Ramadan is usually devoted to a season of peace-building and spirituality, culminating in the joyous celebration of Eid-el-Fitr.
Yar’adua, therefore, called on Muslims to embody the virtues that had been cultivated during the period, as they transition from the holy month of Ramadan.
“Let us emulate the spirit of brotherhood, extend individual and communal support, contribute to nation-building, as well as offer prayers for the welfare of our country and its leadership.
“Abide by the laws of the land and uphold exemplary conduct and the overarching values of Ramadan.
“Furthermore, let us be reminded of our collective obligation to combat injustice, immorality, unfairness, corruption, and inequality.
“Let us champion justice, patriotism, and dignity in all our pursuits. Remember, no situation lasts forever and by fulfilling our respective roles effectively, we can propel our nation towards a brighter future,” he said.
First lady urges Muslims to sustain Ramadan lessons
First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has enjoined Muslims to sustain the good deeds exhibited during the holy month.
She said Ramadan is a period of reformation and the teachings of how to live a selfless and godly life.
“The lessons learnt during the one month of fasting should not be eroded on the altar of celebration. We should be modest in our celebration and continue to extend love to others. Our kindness to one another and service to humanity should extend beyond the month of Ramadan.
“Let us sustain those virtues of self-purification, sacrifice, self-discipline, and being compassionate to fellow Nigerians. Our priority, as a people, should include praying for our nation.”
Tinubu commended the women folks for their sacrifice of preparing meals for the family and generally taking care of the home front during the holy month of Ramadan, saying their sacrifices will be rewarded by Almighty Allah.
The first lady charged the youths to shun negative acts, channel their energies positively and join hands with the government towards achieving a greater nation.