By Bolaji Ogundele, Gbade Ogunwale, Sanni Onogu, Moses Emorinken, Abuja, Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin, Segun Showunmi and Yinka Adeniran, Ibadan
As Nigeria joins the rest of the world to celebrate Eid el Kabir today, President Muhammadu Buhari has told Nigerians, especially Muslims, to adopt religion as a motivator of good deeds and not just a mere badge of identity.
Buhari, along with the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Senate President Ahmad Lawan, state governors and Senator Oluremi Tinubu, also advocates a common stand against insecurity.
However, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) is urging caution on the part of all Nigerians to take personal responsibility by adhering to the preventive measures against COVID-19, on the occasion of Eid-el-Kabir.
Buhari, in his message to mark the festival, expressed disappointment at the prevalent practice of religiosity without the fear of God in the country.
Nigerians, he said through his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, should put the interest of the country above self and “use religion as a motivation for the love of our common humanity.”
“If we are putting the teachings of our religions into practice, most of the evils afflicting our society would have been solved,” he said.
Continuing, he said: “Religion shouldn’t just be used as a mere badge of identity but as a motivator for doing good for our country and humanity.
“The exploitation of the people by traders and the stealing of public funds by civil servants and other holders of public trust is a reflection of the abandonment of the teachings of our religions.
“Our society is a bundle of contradictions. People display external religiosity without fear of God; they make life difficult for others; money becomes their god; leaders abandon their oaths of office by taking money meant for the welfare of the people and divert it to their private pockets.”
Buhari congratulated the Muslim Ummah in Nigeria and the world on the occasion of the Eid, citing for special mention “the brave men and women in uniform fighting terror on many fronts and their families, as well as others held hostage and kept away from their families by wicked and heartless terrorists.”
He asked Muslims to reflect on the significance of the sacrifice epitomised by Eid, stressing: “We should show love and care to our neighbours and others while celebrating this spiritually important event in our lives.”
He advised Muslims “to promote the good virtues of Islam through personal examples and practice,” adding that “Muslims should avoid association with violent extremist ideas that have wrongly given Islam a negative image or poor perception.”
On the current security challenges and cost of living in the country, President Buhari pledged that he “won’t rest until I bring relief to Nigerians.”
Muslims should demonstrate true spirit of Islam, says Tinubu
The APC presidential candidate urged Muslims to “always strive to conduct our daily lives in accordance with the clear and beneficial message of this occasion.”
Eid, according to him, “reminds us to place our faith in the compassion and wisdom of Allah and to be obedient to His instructions as demonstrated by Prophet Ibrahim.
“By his action, Prophet Ibrahim demonstrated true Islam and submission to Allah. Prophet Ibrahim understood that the ways and commands of Almighty Allah SWT are supremely more life giving and enlightening than the ways of man.”
He added: “Thus, as we celebrate Eid, let us use this moment to rededicate ourselves to greater adherence to the spiritually-enriching commands of Almighty Allah SWT.
“We must show the true spirit of Islam in our lives and not just on these special holidays. The holidays are given to us not merely as special moments to celebrate, but as kind reminders to strive as we must to become the people and nation we are meant to be.
“We face stiff challenges as a nation. Most troubling is the spate of violent attacks on innocent Nigerians. We must take a stand against terror and injustice. These evils lie forever outside our faith. Those who perpetuate such inhumanity do so in opposition to Islam and all that it means.
“To be true Muslims is to adhere to the principles of peace, tolerance, justice and charity. Our faith asks us to stand against those perpetrating evil and visiting untold misery on others. And we must remain forever obedient to the kind and life-affirming principles of our faith.”
Tinubu said Nigerians should keep at bay “those who seek to bring this nation and Islam into disrepute through their destructive and violent actions.”
He said: “They seek to pit brother against brother, neighbour against neighbour, and religion against religion. They want to break the peaceful order of society.
“But Allah has placed us here to build a better Nigeria by taking care and seeing all of its inhabitants as our brothers and sisters regardless of ethnicity, faith and region. This we shall do. And no amount of evil or terror from whatever quarter shall stop us from fulfilling what Allah has commanded us to do.
“Thus, I ask you to continue to believe in the excellent nation Nigeria can be. Let us eschew violence and those who cause and sponsor it. Let us not forget the poor and vulnerable among us. Let us demonstrate brotherly concern and compassion and give succour to those unable to help themselves. “
On the security challenge in the country, he said: “We beseech Almighty Allah to protect the weak, feed the poor and give us the courage and wisdom to subdue and defeat those who would seek to hurt the innocent and impair this nation.
“We pray for our gallant soldiers and other security agents who, daily, sacrifice themselves to confront violent evil.
“Let us also remember President Muhammadu Buhari, our governors and other leaders in our prayers that they might find the wisdom and fortitude to surmount the challenges facing this country that, together, we can enjoy the benefits of a better Nigeria.”
PDP, Atiku urge hope, love, sacrifice
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) advised Nigerians to use the occasion of the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations to renew hope, love and sacrifice for the country.
The party, in a goodwill message through its spokesman, Debo Ologunagba, regretted that many Nigerians are observing this year’s festival amid tears and agony of terrorism and mass killings.
The party urged Nigerians to use the occasion to pray for the country as well as strengthen their trust in God and keep hope alive despite the prevailing economic, social and security challenges confronting the nation.
“Our party however urges Nigerians not to allow the suffering they face at this time to make them lose sight of the lessons and blessings of Eid-el-Kabir; the call for obedience, trust, selflessness and submission to the will and command of the Almighty Allah in all our dealings,” it said.
In a separate statement, the presidential candidate of the PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, described the essence of Eid-el-Kabir as sacrifice, love, and hope for a peaceful coexistence.
His words: “Our country is broken and insecurity has become a daily menace staring all our compatriots in the face.
“The hardships in the land and the harrowing experiences that people go through to survive, and the pervasive lack of unity amongst Nigerians, are the reasons why we must do a sober reflection on the State of our nation as we mark this year’s Sallah.
“Therefore, selfless sacrifice and communal love as exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim and his son, Ishmael, should guide us, as we submit ourselves and needs to the Will of Allah.
“If we emulate the righteousness and great virtues of the Holy Prophet, mankind shall no doubt receive the reward of Allah’s love and mercy.”
Lawan: Let’s keep praying
Senate President Ahmad Lawan called on all Nigerians to keep praying for Nigeria and not waver in their belief that the purpose of Allah shall prevail for the country.
Lawan said with divine intervention and continued support of Nigerians for the government, Nigeria would soon overcome the challenges.
The Senate President said the 9th National Assembly would continue to work assiduously and collaborate with the other arms of government towards stabilising the security and economy of the country to the relief of all Nigerians.
He said: “We know that more needs to be done to overcome the challenges. The government is not relenting at addressing the challenges and we are confident that they will soon become history.
“As we approach another election year, I earnestly urge Nigerians to look to the future with hope.”
Gbajabiamila, Wase too
House of Representatives Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila noted that the Eid calls for sacrifice and commitment to the course of the Almighty Allah.
He asked Nigerian Muslims, especially those participating in this year’s Hajj, to redouble their prayers for the country.
At times like this, the Speaker said, it is incumbent on the people to be united as one people to face the challenges confronting the country.
Speaker Gbajabiamila was optimistic that with prayers, Nigeria would overcome her challenges, calling for special prayers for the peaceful conduct of the 2023 general elections.
In a similar message, the House of Representatives Deputy Speaker, Ahmed Idris Wase, called on Muslims to use the period to offer prayers for the unity and progress of the country.
The Deputy Speaker said peaceful co-existence and understanding as well as sustained prayers among citizens were essential in the face of the current economic and security challenges in the country.
“As we celebrate this year’s Eid-El- Fitri, let us put our country and its leadership in our prayers. Eid-el-Kabir celebration is a period of sacrifice and reflection. I urge us all to emulate the virtues of total obedience and sacrifice,” he said.
Sen. Tinubu calls for greater commitment, selflessness
Senator Oluremi Tinubu, (Lagos Central) asked Muslims and non-Muslims alike to remain steadfast to the cause of a united Nigeria as they celebrate Eid-el-Kabir.
Tinubu, in a statement entitled, “Unity a Bond of Perfection”, also congratulated all Muslims in the Lagos Central Senatorial District and Nigerians in general on this important day.
She urged Nigerians and those performing Hajj to remember to celebrate the special season as a time to honour the selflessness, resolve and commitment to God as reflected in the life of Prophet Ibrahim.
“The significance of the celebration is beyond the festivities but towards a sincere commitment to righteous conduct in our lives and towards fellow humans,” she said.
“Therefore, it is my sincere prayers that the spirit of community, togetherness and compassionate generosity bring good tidings to those celebrating this year’s Eid.”
Tinubu enjoined the people to remain steadfast to the cause of a united Nigeria as they collectively confront their challenges as a nation and build a peaceful and prosperous Nigeria while acknowledging God’s supremacy, genuine love and respect for one another.
Lagos APC felicitates Muslims
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State implored Muslims to use the opportunity to renew their faith, hope and commitment to the nation.
Party Chairman, Cornelius Ojelabi, also urged Muslims to reflect on the significance of Eid-el-Kabir and pray for the security and peace of the nation, adding that with peace in place, many of the socio-economic challenges facing Nigeria will naturally fizzle out.
He said: “We must make efforts to co-exist and work together for Nigeria to prosper and move forward. Our dreamed state and nation will only be achieved in an atmosphere of peace, unity and mutual respect. We must work for peace and eschew violence that can further divide us as a people.
“Of course, there is hope for the country in spite of whatever challenges currently facing us if we are united and determined to make the nation work irrespective of our different tongues and beliefs.”
Sanwo-Olu seeks peaceful co-existence among Nigerians
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu told Lagosians and Nigerians to continue on the path of spirituality and peaceful co-existence.
He also advised Nigerians, especially Muslims, to imbibe the lessons of the sacrifice made by Prophet Ibrahim and work for the unity, peace and progress of the nation.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, who is seeking re-election in next year’s governorship election, also urged Lagos residents to continue to support his administration’s efforts in building a ‘Greater Lagos’ that works for all, adding that he is committed to delivering his campaign promises in line with the six-pillar THEMES developmental agenda.
He also called on Nigerians to continue to support the President Muhammadu Buhari-led All Progressives Congress (APC) government to keep Nigeria on the path of unity, peace and development.
Ugwuanyi prays for grace, favour for Nigerians
Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State prayed for God’s boundless grace and favour upon all Nigerians, saying the solemn festival of Eid-el-Kabir, anchored on love and sacrifice, comes with the peace, unity and fulfillment which the country needs to forge ahead.
The governor also prayed for God’s protection, unceasing goodness and mercy upon Nigerians in their individual and collective endeavours, adding: “May we all be living testimonies to God’s blessings and have every reason to continue to thank God.”
He wished the Muslim faithful and indeed all Nigerians a pleasant and safe Eid-el-Kabir celebration, urging them to re-dedicate themselves to God and continue to pray fervently for the peace, unity, security and progress of the nation.
Oyetola seeks prayers for peaceful conduct of Osun polls
Osun State Governor Adegboyega Oyetola implored Muslims to always exhibit the act of genuine sacrifice and submission to the will of Allah, which he said are the major lessons of the festival.
He also urged Muslims in Osun to use this special occasion of Eid-el-Kabir to offer prayers for the sustained development, peace, stability and unity of the State, especially as it prepares for the forthcoming governorship election.
Nigerians irrespective of their religious, political and tribal differences, he said, should take advantage of this Sallah period to intensify prayers for their leaders and for the nation to overcome its present challenges, particularly the lingering insecurity issues.
He said: “As we celebrate, I call on Muslims and people of other faiths in Osun to use this special occasion of Eid-el-Kabir to offer prayers for the sustained development, peace, stability and unity of our state, especially as we prepare for the forthcoming governorship election.
“I urge us to conduct ourselves in a patriotic manner before, during and after the election. Let’s not engage in any act capable of disrupting the unity and peaceful coexistence we currently enjoy in the state.
“We must understand that the peace and stability of our state does not worth the ambition of any politician.”
Nigeria needs our prayers, says Gov AbdulRazaq
Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq urged pilgrims to this year’s Hajj to pray for God’s intervention in the affairs of Nigeria.
Mallam Abdulrazaq also congratulated the Muslim community on the dawn of the Arafah Day as well as the Eid-el-Adha (feast of sacrifice).
He said the two occasions offer the faithful another rare opportunity to seek God’s bounties as well as bond with one another in an atmosphere of love and unity.
The governor specifically congratulated the pilgrims from Kwara State and Nigeria as they reach an important milestone of the spiritual journey to Mecca and tasked them and citizens back home to take advantage of the moment to beseech Allah for His continuous mercies on the state, Nigeria, and humanity as a whole.
Saraki to Nigerians: Don’t get tired of praying against insecurity
Former Senate President Bukola Saraki said Nigerians should not get tired of praying for peace, security, and prosperity around the globe.
Reminding Muslims of the significance of Eid-el-Kabir which symbolises obedience to Allah, genuine sacrifice to and faith in their creator as well as the desire for peace Saraki advised them to always demonstrate these values in their daily activities.
He said: “One cannot but note that this Sallah period has only advertised the endemic poverty, unemployment, and anger in our country as people in millions of homes cannot happily celebrate Sallah due to economic