Eid-el-Kabir: Jonathan, Mark, Tambuwal, govs felicitate with Muslims

President Goodluck Jonathan has saluted Nigerians on the occasion of the Eid-el-Kabir celebration, as he also implored them to find time to meditate on the benefits the nation could derive from a greater exhibition by its people of "piety, honesty, selflessness, tolerance, peaceful co-existence with others, equity, fairness and justice for all, which are an integral part of the message of the Holy Prophet."

In his sallah message, the president promised that his administration would continue to promote and encourage virtues of Islam and other religious beliefs, "in the knowledge that a greater manifestation of such virtues and ideals by our people will stand our country in very good stead, as we strive to overcome the challenges of development and build a great nation."
He assured that his administration would continue to give focused and purposeful leadership to the nation, adding that "we remain committed to achieving significant improvements in the living conditions of all Nigerians, through the diligent implementation of our agenda for national transformation."

Let's make Nigeria a better place —Mark
Senate President, David Mark, urged Nigerians across the divide to close ranks and work together to make the nation a peaceful and better place for all.

In his goodwill message to Muslim faithful to commemorate Eid-el-Kabir, Mark reminded Nigerians that "we have more to gain by being together than otherwise."

Wishing Muslim faithful a happy celebration, he urged clerics of all faith to preach the good news of oneness, peaceful coexistence, trust and love for fellow citizens.
Mark noted with pain the unabating security challenges facing the nation and pleaded with all Nigerians of goodwill to rise up to the occasion, so as to tackle the menace headlong.

Tambuwal tasks on unity, progress
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal, on Monday, called on Nigerians to redouble their efforts in working for the nation's unity and progress.

He made the call in Abuja, through a statement signed by Mallam Imam Imam, his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, to commemorate the 2013 Eid el-Kabir celebration.
Tambuwal urged Nigerians to be steadfast in the love for one another, adding that by so doing, "we can be committed to what is just and right for our nation."

Embrace peace, Wada charges
Kogi State governor, Captain Idris Wada, called on Muslims and other religious leaders in the country to embrace peace and pray for the unity and progress of the nation.
The governor, in a message signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Strategy, Mr Jacob Edi, said Nigerians had come a long way and, therefore, should work the peace, unity and development of the country.

He called on religious leaders to always see one another as brothers and sisters and preach messages that would always bring the people together.

Yuguda preaches peace, harmony
Bauchi State governor, Mallam Isa Yuguda, called on Nigerians, especially people of the state, to live in peace with one another, irrespective of their religious, ethnic and political affiliation.
Governor Yuguda, in a goodwill message to mark the occasion of Eid-el-Kabir, said his administration was desirous of creating a Bauchi State, where all citizens would be able to pursue their lawful businesses without any fear.

He called on Muslims to rededicate their lives to the service of Allah through prayers and enjoined them to extend helping hands to the underprivileged in the society.

Ajimobi calls for peaceful co-existence
Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State admonished Nigerians to imbibe the spirit of love, togetherness and peaceful co-existence, so as to enhance the growth and development of the country.

The governor, in his message to Islamic faithful on the occasion of Eid-El-Kabir festival, said it was only in an atmosphere of peace that Nigeria could achieve the desired greatness.

He condemned the spate of violence, brigandage and wanton destruction of lives and property in some parts of the country and urged them to use the occasion to pray for the peace, progress and economic emancipation of the country, as well as on the security challenges currently confronting it.

Be steadfast, Fayemi charges
Ekiti State governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, urged Muslims in the state to remain steadfast in their faith in Allah.

The governor, in a goodwill message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olayinka Oyebode, also implored Muslims not to relent in their prayers for Ekiti, as the state inched nearer to the 2014 governorship election.

Dr Fayemi advised Muslims not to be carried away by the celebration, but to live their lives in such a way to demonstrate the lesson of sacrifice taught by Eid-el-Kabir was not lost on them.

Imbibe spirit of sacrifice, Yero charges
Governor Mukhtar Ramalan Yero urged Muslims in Kaduna State to imbibe the spirit of sacrifice, as exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim, when he intended to sacrifice his son, Ismail, in obedience to the will of Allah.

In a goodwill message to Muslims on the occasion of Eid-el-Kabir celebration, signed by Ahmed Maiyaki, Director-General, Media and Publicity, the governor called on Muslims to continue to make sacrifices towards entrenching lasting peace, unity and development of Kaduna State and Nigeria at large.

He charged Muslims to use the sallah period to extend hands of friendship and love to followers of other religions in the state, for the sake of building lasting peace and re-integration.

Aregbesola calls for peace, tolerance. Osun State governor, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola, called on all adherents of Islamic religion to live in peace and exhibit religious tolerance towards people of other faiths.

In a sallah message, signed by his Director, Bureau of Communications and Strategy, Mr Semiu Okanlawon, on Monday, the governor said what the nation needed at this critical moment was peace, security and cooperation among the diverse people of the country.

Amosun calls for total obedience to Allah Ogun State governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, called on all Muslims to demonstrate, at all times, total obedience to the will of Allah, so that they can receive bountiful reward from Him.

In a statement signed by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mrs Funmi Wakama, Senator Amosun said, "Nigeria can overcome its current challenges and attain its goal of a developed and prosperous nation if all citizens live in total obedience to the will of the Almighty."

Jang tasks on virtue of sacrifice
Plateau State governor, Jonah Jang, asked Muslim faithful to imbibe the virtue of sacrifice, which is the thrust of the Eid-el-Kabir, saying that was what Nigeria needed at this point in time.

Jang, in a statement signed by his Director of Press Affiras, Mr James Mannock, stressed that as citizens, Nigerians should reflect on what they had to offer to the nation for its development and growth and not only what government had to offer.

Let's submit to Allah's will —Mimiko
Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State, on Monday, asked Nigerians, especially Muslims, to use the occasion of the Eid-el-Kabir to reflect on the challenges facing the country and submit to the will of Allah in the belief that only Him can help to surmount them.

In his sallah message to Muslims, Mimiko said "as a nation, we have faced numerous challenges ranging from economic to political and security, and which have seen us making sacrifices. Whereas sallah is an occasion to wine and dine, it is also a time to reflect on our situation and seek the face of Allah."

Kwankwaso, Ahmed, task on peace
Kano State governor, Dr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, called on Muslims to celebrate the festivial with prayers and love to all mankind.

In a message signed by his Director of Press, Halilu I. Dantiye, he urged Muslims to always pray for peaceful co-existence in the country.
Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara State, on Monday, urged Nigerians to live in peace with one another, irrespective of religious belief.

In his Eid-el-Kabir message, issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Abdulwahaab Oba, he said the celebration was another opportunity to pray for good neighbourliness and nation building, through sacrifices and selfless service.

British PM felicitates with Muslims
British Prime Minister, Mr David Cameron, on Monday, felicitated with the Muslim community across the world, as they celebrate Eid el-Kabir.

Cameron, in statement signed by the British High Commission's Head of Political and Press Affairs, Mr Rob Fitzpatrick, in Abuja, urged Muslims to see the celebration as a period of selflessness and time to pray for those in need.
The Prime Minister, in the statement, said "I send my best wishes to Muslims in Britain and around the world, celebrating the holy festival of Eid el-Kabir. I hope you have a joyous and peaceful festival.

Source: Tribune