President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday renewed his administration’s resolve to take Nigeria to the Promised Land.
”I assure you that this administration, which has made security, economic well-being and prosperity of all Nigerians its priority, will not rest on its oars until we see the Nigeria of our dream,” Buhari said in his Eid-el-Kabir message to Nigerians.
Senate President Bukola Saraki and House of Representatives Speaker Yakubu Dogara urged Nigerians to rededicate themselves to building a strong, united, economically sound and politically stable country.
President Buhari said the prayers of Nigerians across religious divides energised him to rededicate himself to building a great nation. He urged Nigerians to strengthen their bonds of friendship and unity to keep the country together.
Felicitating with Nigerians, particularly the Muslim faithful, on the celebration of this year’sSallah, the President congratulated Nigerians on pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia to participate in the Hajj rites.
He said: “I want to use this opportunity to thank all Nigerians who prayed for my recovery and have continued to extend their goodwill and support after my return to the country.
“Indeed, your fervent and sincere prayers, which cut across religious, political and ethnic divides, has energised me to re-dedicate myself and this administration to the task of building a great Nigeria.
“On the joyous occasion of this year’s Eid-El-Kabir celebration, I appeal to all Nigerians to rise against the odds, keep our prejudices aside and strengthen the bonds of friendship and unity to keep our country together.
“For Muslims all over the world, this celebration is to commemorate the trials and triumph of Prophet (Abraham) Ibrahim.
“As we celebrate, I sincerely believe that our nation can make rapid progress on all fronts if we re-enact the exemplary virtues, typified by Prophet (Abraham) Ibrahim, through his sacrifice, patience, steadfastness, generosity and obedience to Allah’s command and constituted authority.
“We must learn to see ourselves as brothers and sisters from the same heritage, who must come to terms with the African proverb that ‘‘a family tie is like a tree, it can bend but it cannot break.
“Once again, I assure you that this administration, which has made the security, economic well-being and prosperity of all Nigerians its priority, will not rest on its oars until we see the Nigeria of our dream.”
In a statement by his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, the Senate President urged Nigerians, irrespective of their faith, to pray for the country’ greater glory.
He stated that the Muslim festival which falls on Jummat day (Friday) is unique as it carries a dual promise that all prayers offered during the Eid and Jummat have a double assurance of bringing Allah’s blessing to Muslim faithful and their country.
The statement reads: “It is significant that the Eid-El-Kabir and Jummat will be celebrated in one day. This tells us that all prayers offered during this solemn day will no doubt command double mercies of Allah towards us all.”
Saraki called on Islamic faithful to seek Allah’s grace for the peace, unity, security and economic development of the country.
Saraki also enjoined Nigerians to pray for the good health of the President, God’s guidance for all in positions of authority, including the private sector.
He said: “This is a time we must be our brothers’ keeper by sharing our worldly goods with them. This is a time we must pray for our leaders, especially President Muhammadu Buhari and all those saddled with the responsibilities of leadership at all levels in our country.
“With prayers, I have no doubt that God will inspire and guide our leaders to initiate and sustain policies and programmes that would guarantee peace, security, economic growth, political stability and social cohesion in our nation.”
Saraki urged Nigerians to pray for a strong rebound of the economy, saying that the positive effects would trickle down to individual homes and help citizens to realise their goals and aspirations.
He said: “Therefore, I call on all our brothers and sisters, fellow Nigerians, to be law abiding and support the present administration in its bid to tackle the problems of insecurity, unemployment, corruption and underperforming economy.”
Dogara admonished Muslim faithful to promote unity and tolerance, which are crucial for peaceful coexistence.
In a statement by his media aide, Mr. Turaki Hassan, Dogara said that Nigeria could only fulfill its great potential with the promotion of unity, peace, security and stability by the citizenry.
He stressed the need to show greater respect and love for one another.
The Speaker said: ”This is a moment for sober reflections. I enjoin you to use the period to uphold the spiritual benefit of the celebration by extending a hand of friendship and solidarity across all divides.
“Also imbibe the spirit of sacrifice and obedience to the higher authority as exemplified by prophet Ibrahim and upheld by Prophet Mohammed.”
Wishing the Muslim faithful a blessed and peaceful celebration, Dogara reiterated his call for sustained prayers for the leadership of the country at all levels.
He said: “This is an opportunity for us to reflect and pray for our nation, and to pray for our dear president for God’s guidance and good health.
“And pray for all those in leadership positions so that God in his infinite mercy will continue to guide them as they steer the affairs of the country.”
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