By Mathew Dadiya, Eze Okechukwu & Ubong Ukpong, Abuja

President Bola Tinubu has joined Muslims in Nigeria and all over the world in observance of Eid-el-Kabir, saying, “We must thank Almighty Allah for the grace to witness another Eid.”

Similarly, former Vice President and Presidential Candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the February 25 general election, Atiku Abubakar, Senate President, Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, yesterday urged Nigerians to use the occasion of the Eid-el-Kabir celebration to enthrone unity, peace and sacrifice in the country.

Both leaders stated this in their goodwill messages to Muslim faithful on the occasion of this year’s Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

Tinubu stated that as the nation embraced the present challenges, everyone must face the future with vigour and Renewed Hope with the confidence that tomorrow “shall be better and brighter.”

Coming as the end of religious activities spanning the first ten days of the Islamic Month of Dhul Hijjah, Eid-el-Kabir enjoins all Muslims to show mercy and compassion to their fellow humans, Tinubu said in his Message to mark the Islamic festivity on Tuesday in Lagos.

“At the moment, our country is going through some challenges especially with our struggling economy and simmering security challenges.

‘While I acknowledge all of these, I want to assure you that they are not insurmountable. I am working day and night with my team, fleshing out solutions,” he said.

His administration, the President said, has started with the decisions taken so far, to reform the nation’s economy and remove all impediments to growth.

“As we immerse ourselves in the joy of this moment and celebrate, let us remember those who may not be as fortunate like us.

“Eid-el-Kabir is a festival of sacrifice and total obedience to Allah as exemplified in the exceptional action of Prophet Ibrahim.

“There is no greater sense of duty ever recorded in history outside the ennobling example of Prophet Ibrahim in offering his only son Ismail as sacrifice to Allah.

“The best way by which we can demonstrate this example is in how we conduct ourselves in relation to our fellow citizens and in our duties to our beloved country. We must imbibe and manifest those values inherent in Prophet Ibrahim’s life, namely; complete devotion to Allah, tolerance, patience, perseverance, selflessness, love and compassion.

“This season, let us endeavour to multiply good deeds with our kindness to our fellow Muslims and others by helping and supporting the weak and vulnerable in our communities. By so doing, we showcase the values and virtues of our faith,” the President stated.

Atiku Charges Muslims on Love, Sacrifice

Former Vice President of Nigeria and presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the 2023 general elections, Atiku Abubakar, has congratulated Muslims in Nigeria and across the world on this year’s celebration of the Eid-el-Kabir festival.

A press release signed by the Media Office of the Waziri Adamawa on Tuesday enjoins Muslims in Nigeria to take a lesson of forbearance from the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim (AS).

According to the former Vice President, “the significance of the festival that we are celebrating today (Wednesday) is about the profitability of being patient with God in our affairs as human beings, and most especially, as Muslims,” Atiku is quoted to have said.

He went further to also remind Muslims of the obligation to follow the noble examples of Prophets Ibrahim (AS) and Mohammed (SAW) by being kind and generous to the people around them.

“The scriptures on all prophets of Allah are replete with good examples of how they related with everyone during their lifetimes.

“We are also enjoined to follow the footsteps of the prophets, especially Prophet Mohammed, which means that we must live our everyday life as a sacrifice, not just for our families, but the communities where we find ourselves.”

Atiku further urges Muslims in Nigeria to pray for the country at various Eid prayer grounds, saying that, “Nigeria is currently in need of prayers. We must continue to ask God Almighty to show His blessings upon the country and  to elevate Nigeria to a path of peace, harmony, and prosperity.”

The former Vice President concludes by calling the attention of Muslim not to be extravagant on the celebration of Eid and enjoins those of means to share the joy of the celebration with the needy.

Akpabio Canvases Patience, Support for Tinubu Government

The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio has enjoined Nigerians, particularly the Muslim Ummah, in celebrating this year’s Sallah festival while canvassing for patience and support for the President Tinubu led administration.

He also rejoiced with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who celebrates the first Eid-el-Kabir as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, alongside the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, and the Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, on the occasion of the celebrations of an important pillar of Islam.

“As we join our Muslim brethren to observe this day, the essence of the season which underscores our submission to the will of the Almighty God and the importance of sacrifice in our daily life should not be lost on us,” he said.

“I salute the resilience and patriotism of Nigerians in the face of the current challenges facing our nation. We should all see it as part of the process of nation building. In just a few weeks since his inauguration, President Tinubu has taken some bold steps which have been globally acclaimed as being in the right direction”.

“Even though the measures bring with them some inconveniences, I earnestly appeal to fellow Nigerians to look at the larger picture of the expected outcomes, be patient with the new government and give it their full support to take Nigeria out of the woods,” he stated.

Providing an insight into expectations from the 10th National Assembly, the Senate President said “we will do its utmost to provide President Tinubu-led government complementary support through necessary legislative interventions for the benefit of Nigerians”.

We will, in the process, ensure inclusivity, fairness and justice for Nigerians through legislations.

Our Correspondent recalls that the 10th Senate will resume on July 4, after about three weeks of recess following their inauguration.

Reps Speaker, Deputy, Urge Muslims to Pray for Peace, Prosperity

House of Representatives Speaker, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas and his Deputy, Rt. Hon Benjamin Kalu, have congratulated Muslims on the occasion of this year’s Eid-el-Kabir, urging Nigerians to pray for the unity, peace and prosperity of the country.

In a statement yesterday through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, Abbas, in his Sallah message, urged the citizens to particularly use the occasion to pray for the success of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, while calling for their spiritual and moral support for all elected and appointed leaders nationwide.

The Speaker enjoined citizens to emulate Prophet Ibrahim’s obedience to the Almighty Allah, by making sacrifices towards the development and growth of Nigeria.

He noted that the prosperity of the country is a joint task, calling on all citizens to remain united in the face of challenges.

“I congratulate Muslims and Nigerians by extension, as we witness yet another Sallah celebration, especially after the successful conduct of the 2023 general elections and the inauguration of a new President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as well as the 10th National Assembly.

“It is a time to thank Almighty Allah for His grace and mercy upon our nation. It is a time to reflect on the prospects and the brighter future ahead of the nation.

“It is also a time to pray for the success of our leaders, as they move to tackle the challenges facing the country, counting on the prayers and support of the people.

“Let us work together as a nation towards realizing the ‘Renewed Hope’ that Nigerians have massively voted for.

“May Almighty Allah bless Nigeria and Nigerians,” he said.

On his part, the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, in a statement through his media office, stressed the need for citizens of the country to show more love, patriotism, respect for each other, as well as engage in fervent prayers.

Kalu appealed to Nigerians to engage in good deeds and humanitarian services, by supporting the less privileged in the society.

While urging the people to be more tolerant with each other irrespective of religious, political or ethnic affinities, the Deputy Speaker expressed optimism that there would be a restoration of peace and prosperity for Nigeria despite its current challenges.

“In the spirit of this special occasion, I urge Muslims, and indeed all Nigerians, to uphold lessons of love, loyalty and sacrifice which are the foundation of the festival, during and after the festivities. This is a time for all of us to go out to reiterate our belief in Nigeria, as well as engage in acts that can solidify the peace, unity and prosperity of the nation.

“I appeal to Nigerians to continue to positively supplement the efforts of the three tiers of government, security agencies and other critical stakeholders, to ensure peace, unity and security of the nation. I am hopeful that the prayers that come with this great celebration will bring about peace, unity and progress in Nigeria. I wish our Muslims brothers and sisters a peaceful Sallah celebration,” Kalu said.