Sallah: Leaders charge citizens on unity, discipline

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas and state governors have called on citizens to embrace unity, compassion and self-discipline as the nation navigates its challenges. In their goodwill messages to Muslims in Nigeria and across the […]

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas and state governors have called on citizens to embrace unity, compassion and self-discipline as the nation navigates its challenges.

In their goodwill messages to Muslims in Nigeria and across the globe on the occasion of Eid-el-Fitr which marked the end of this year’s Ramadan, they noted that the values of Ramadan provide a moral compass for building a society founded on justice, peace, and mutual respect.

They urged Muslims to uphold the virtues of discipline, empathy, self-control and generosity which were cultivated during the month-long fast. They emphasised that the lessons of Ramadan should not end with the crescent moon but should guide daily conduct and strengthen communal harmony.

The leaders further stressed the importance of obedience to Allah’s injunctions and adherence to the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (SAW). They prayed for continued peace, prosperity and divine blessings upon Nigeria, urging Muslims to celebrate Eid with gratitude and renewed commitment to the service of humanity.

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President Tinubu charged Muslim leaders to use the occasion of Eid-el-Kabir to offer prayers for peace and prosperity to prevail in the country.

Tinubu, in his Sallah message signed by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, called for renewed commitment to the nation and humanity. 

He enjoined Nigerian Muslims to rededicate themselves to the noble teachings of the holy month, which emphasise “piety, empathy and unity among humanity.

“We have a lot to draw from the noble lessons of Ramadan, especially at a time like this. We must continue to abide by the virtues of piety, selflessness, perseverance, kindness and compassion beyond this period,” he said.

Tinubu urged all Muslim faithful to extend a hand of kindness to the needy of all faiths, to further show unity and camaraderie.

The president also tasked Muslim leaders to use the occasion to offer prayers for peace and prosperity to prevail in the country. 

Senate President Godswill Akpabio, in his message signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, congratulated Muslims for the successful completion of the spiritual exercise of fasting, urging them to continue with the philanthropic practice of almsgiving and love for one another. 

Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau, while rejoicing with Muslims in the country on the successful completion of the Ramadan fasting, urged all to sustain prayers for global peace.

Barau, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ismail Mudashir, prayed to Allah SWT to accept the supplications, prayers, and good deeds of the Ummah during the blessed Month.

He expressed optimism that Tinubu’s directive to the security chiefs to relocate to Maiduguri following the Monday attacks on Maiduguri by terrorists will do the magic in flushing out the criminal elements. 

The speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, said Nigerian Muslims’ prayers and supplication were about to bring the country to a new dawn.

He noted that divine intervention, through prayers, remains a major reason for the country’s unity, peace and stability.

He urged Islamic adherents to continue to imbibe piety, selflessness, charity and other virtues of Ramadan, stressing that Nigerians cannot afford to reduce their prayers for a better society and nation.

The chairman of the ruling party, the All Progressives Party (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, prayed Almighty God to heal the nation and unite citizens across all divides, and restore hope in the hearts of every Nigerian.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Communications Strategy, Abimbola Tooki, called on Nigerians to use the occasion to offer sincere prayers to the nation.  

 

Governors call for prayers

Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago called on Muslims to use the occasion to pray fervently to Allah for an end to the security challenges affecting parts of the state and the country as a whole, in order to ensure economic stability.

He urged citizens to sustain prayers for leaders at all levels, asking for wisdom to enable them to lead justly and foster an egalitarian society.

Governor of Cross River State Bassey Otu commended the Muslim community for successfully completing the sacred observance of Ramadan.

In his message, Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, implored the residents to continue praying for lasting peace, improved security, and prosperity in the state and the nation at large. 

He also urged the citizens to remain committed to the collective well-being of their communities.

Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule urged citizens to sustain the virtues of discipline, empathy, self-control and generosity imbibed during Ramadan. 

He called for peace, harmony and vigilance, particularly during the ongoing transition period in the state. 

Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State said the Sallah celebration should go beyond festivities, calling on the faithful to reflect on and apply the lessons of the sacred month in their daily lives.

In a statement issued by the Director-General, Press Affairs, Government House, Ismaila Uba Misilli, the governor stressed the need for sustained prayers for peace, unity and prosperity, especially as the country grapples with socio-economic challenges.

The Edo State deputy governor,  Dennis Idahosa, urged Muslims to sustain the lessons and spirit of Ramadan by continuing to promote love, charity, and peaceful coexistence

He said the principles of Ramadan are critical to fostering harmony and driving the collective progress of Edo State and the nation.

Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State acknowledged the hardships citizens endure due to prevailing economic challenges. 

He emphasized resilience and faith as the guiding strengths of the people, urging them to embrace hope and gratitude during the festive season. 

Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State called for unity and mutual respect among all faiths. 

Fubara also enjoined residents to continue to cherish the diversity and promote harmony, tolerance and understanding. 

Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji charged the Muslim community to pray for the successful conduct of the forthcoming governorship election in Ekiti and for the State to enjoy peace before, during and after the June 20 poll.

Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris commended residents for their resilience and support for his administration’s programs in education, infrastructure, agriculture, and economic empowerment.

On security, he reassured residents of continued support for security agencies and training of volunteer youths.

Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri said embracing peace, unity and fairness is key to Nigeria’s rebirth emphasizing that this is crucial for building a strong and united nation.

He advised Nigerians to adopt the values of love, tolerance, forgiveness and brotherhood exemplified by the holy month of Ramadan.

Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, expressed hope that the spiritual lessons of Ramadan would continue to guide citizens for the progress and unity of the nation.

He stressed the importance of respecting diverse religious beliefs and called on Muslims to use the period for sober reflection and prayers for peace, unity and development in the state and the country.

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State called on religious leaders to continue to promote harmony and peaceful coexistence in the society.

He said clerics must continue to guide their followers and encourage them to embrace peace, tolerance and unity at all times.

 

By Dalhatu Liman, Baba Martins, Itodo Daniel Sule (Abuja), Abubakar Akote (Minna), Ibrahim Musa Giginyu (Katsina) Ado Abubakar Musa (Jos) Abubakar Abdullahi (Lafia), Usman A. Bello (Benin), Raphael Ogbonnaiye (Ado-Ekiti), Rabilu Abubakar (Gombe), Umar Dankano (Yola) & Hope Abah (Makurdi)