Jonathan, Saraki, Dogara, Others Felicitate with Muslim Faithful

EID-EL-KABIR MESSAGES….

Our Correspondents

As Muslims across the world mark the 2017 Eid-el-Kabir, former President Goodluck Jonathan, Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu and former President of the Senate, Senator David Mark, have expressed greetings, and called for prayers for Nigeria.

Jonathan in a statement by his spokesman Ikechukwu Eze, also urged Nigerians to make individual sacrifices for the betterment of our nation and greater good of humanity.

He further urged Nigerians to pray for the “less privileged among us and show them the love of God demonstrated through us, His creations.”

He said: “As Nigerian Muslims mark Eid-el Kabir (Eid al-Adha) my family and I join in their celebration. This eid celebrates Abraham, a patriarch of Judaism, Christianity and Islam and is thus an opportunity to bring humanity together.

On his part, Saraki, in a statement by his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Mr. Yusuph Olaniyonu, urged Nigerians to rededicate themselves to the quest for an economically viable and politically stable Nigeria.
He also appealed for prayers from all citizens irrespective of their religious affiliations, for peace and unity in the country.

“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,” he said.

Saraki, who is currently in Saudi Arabia performing the Holy Pilgrimage, also called on Nigerians to pray for the good health of President Muhammadu Buhari and God’s guidance for all persons in positions of authority.

Similarly, Ekweremadu called on Nigerians to eschew all forms of recrimination and imbibe self-sacrifice, forgiveness and other higher virtues that promote national unity and development.

In a goodwill message to Muslim faithful signed by his Special Adviser, Media, Mr. Uche Anichukwu, the Deputy Senate President said the season presents an opportunity for reflection on national challenges and how they can be surmounted.

On his own part, the former President of the Senate, Senator David Mark called for peaceful co-existence among Nigerians, as guarantee to meaningful development.

In a statement, Mark expressed concern about divisive agitations in different parts of the country, and cautioned against any actions that threatened the unity of Nigeria.

He, however, noted that there is a need to address perceived imbalances with collective will and understanding, to effect changes in the current political and constitutional arrangement.

Also, the leadership of the House of Representatives has enjoined Muslim faithful to use the Eid-el-Kabir festival to promote unity, tolerance, peaceful coexistence and the spirit of sacrifice.

The Speaker of the House, Hon. Yakubu Dogara noted that the country could only fulfill its great potentials as a nation if the citizens continued to foster unity, peace, security and stability as well as show greater respect and love for one another.

In a statement to mark this year’s Sallah celebration, issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Mr. Turaki Hassan, Dogara reiterated his call for sustained prayers for the leadership of the country at all levels.

He 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 and imbibing the spirit of sacrifice and obedience to the higher authority as exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim and upheld by Prophet Muhammed.
In the same vein, Deputy Speaker of the House, Hon. Suleimon Lasun Yussuff urged to Nigerians especially the Muslim faithful to continue to eschew violence and criminality and learn to live in peace and harmony.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Wole Oladimeji, Lasun urged Muslims to imbibe the spiritual lessons of the festival.

He said the Holy Prophet’s teachings of love, justice, fairness, peaceful co-existence with one another, honesty and tolerance in all their dealings with their Christian brothers and sisters must not be lost.
Dickson Sues for Peace, Tolerance

Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Henry Seriake Dickson has felicitated with Muslims across the country especially in Bayelsa on the occasion of the 2017 Eid-el-Kabir.

In a statement released yesterday by his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Iworiso-Markson, the governor congratulated all Muslims and urged them to continue to pray for peace, progress and sustenance of the nation’s democracy.
The governor also implored them to work hard to preserve the unity of the country and promote religious and ethnic tolerance in their everyday endeavor so as to make the country a better place.

He equally called on all Muslim faithful to pray and support political leaders in the country who are dedicated in ensuring that the dividends of democracy reaches their door steps.

Bello: Remember the Significance of the Season
Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, has reminded Muslim faithful of the significance of the Eid-el-Kabir. The governor in his Sallah message said the festival was ment to celebrate the love and grace of Almighty Allah to mankind through sacrifice, devotion and faith.
“Irrespective of our ethnic and religious affiliations, I urge Kogities to use the opportunity of the holy celebration to rededicate themselves to selfless sacrifices for the benefit of our neighbours and indeed the progress of Kogi Staten,” the governor said.
He urged the people of the state to be their brothers’ keepers and join hands together to build a state they will be proud to bequeath to their children.

Ayade Felicitates with Muslims

Cross River State Governor, Senator Ben Ayade, has felicitated with Muslims in Nigeria as they celebrate this year’s Eid-el Kabir.
The governor, in his goodwill message signed by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Christian Ita, said: “As we celebrate, I enjoin the Muslim Ummah and indeed all people of goodwill to remember the lessons of the celebration which is sacrifice, obedience and love.
“I implore you to channel your thoughts and creative energies in a positive direction to help the government realise its lofty dreams of a better state and country for all of us. The Muslim community should continue to join hands with people of other faiths to maintain the peace in the state, as peace is a precondition for development.”
While entreating the Muslim faithful to stay committed in the worship of God, Ayade said: “We should remember Allah’s faithfulness to His beloved Prophet Ibrahim which is a clear testimony that there is abundant reward in fidelity to Allah’s injunctions.”

Ajimobi Preaches Unity and Togetherness

Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, has admonished Nigerians to shun acts capable of disrupting the unity, togetherness and peaceful co-existence of the country.
In his message to Islamic faithful on the occasion of this year’s Eid-El-Kabir yesterday, Ajimobi said it was only in an atmosphere of peace and unity that the country could achieve the desired greatness.
The governor who spoke through his Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy, Mr. Yomi layinka, condemned what he called hate speeches and the ember of discord being stoked by ethnic agitators in some parts of the country.
From the benefit of the hindsight, he described the actions of agitators in the country as an ill-wind that would not blow anybody any good.

Ajimobi said: “We cannot say we are brothers and sisters and still be carrying guns and machetes against one another. What do we stand to benefit by killing and maiming ourselves?
While congratulating Muslims, the governor urged them to use the occasion of the Eid-El-Kabir to pray for the peace, progress and economic emancipation of the country.

Aregbesola, Group Call for Prayer, Unity

The Governor of Osun State, Rauf Aregbesola, has called on Muslim faithful in the state and Nigerian in general to use the occasion of Eid-el-Kabir celebration to pray for peace, unity, prosperity and stability of the state and country.

Also, the state chapter of a socio-political organisation, Asiwaju Grassroots Foundation (AGF), has felicitated with all Muslims in the state and across the country on the occasion of the festival.
Aregbesola, in a statement by his Media Adviser, Mr. Sola Fasure, called on Nigerians of all faiths to join hands with the government of
President Muhammadu Buhari in its determination to build a peaceful and harmonious country.
The governor tasked adherents of Islam to imbibe the lessons of commitment, dedication and obedience to higher authority as was demonstrated by Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to the will of God which the Eid-El-Kabir commemorates.

Amosun Preaches Selfless Sacrifice

Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, has enjoined Muslim faithful to demonstrate the virtue of selfless sacrifice as they celebrate the Eid-el-Kabir festival.

In a statement issued in Abeokuta yesterday, the governor said: “While I join my Muslim brothers and sisters to celebrate this holy day, I urge you to reflect on the essence of the festival.

“Otherwise known as the ‘Festival of Sacrifice’, the Eid-el-Kabir presents an opportunity for us to reflect on the faith with which Ibrahim (Abraham) willingly agreed to sacrifice his son and was set to let go of his personal belief in obedience to the command of Allah.

“With this, we should lay aside all forms of religious, ethnic and tribal sentiments in the interest of unity, peace, progress and prosperity of not only ourselves but also the nation.
“Therefore, I call on all of us to ensure that as we celebrate, and seek the face of Allah to be merciful unto us as well as heal our land. We should not relent in praying for wisdom, with which our leaders will see our nation through these challenging times.”

Wike Calls for Prayer

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has felicitated with the Muslim community on the celebration of this year’s EId-el-Kabir.
In his Sallah message yesterday, Wike urged Muslims to pray for the unity and peace of the nation as they celebrate.

He called on all Muslim faithful to use the EId-el-Kabir celebration to re-dedicate themselves to the ideals of peace, security and friendship, assuring faithful that the state government and security agencies have put in place security measures to ensure a peaceful celebration of the festival.
The governor urged Nigerians to promote religious tolerance, adding that such virtue would ensure peace across the country and enhance national development.

Okowa Urges Nigerians to Shun Hate Speeches

Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, has charged Nigerians to shun hate speeches and collaborate with the government to surmount the plethora of problems bedeviling the nation.
The governor, who stated this in his goodwill message issued in Asaba yesterday by his Chief Press Secretary, Charles Aniagwu, to mark this year’s Eid-El-Kabir, stressed the need for Nigerians to be their brother’s keeper.
Okowa said: “I call on all Muslims and indeed Nigerians to use the period to reflect on the various challenges facing the nation. It takes the concerted efforts of all to achieve meaningful development in any nation especially in a period of economic recession.
“We must shun hate speeches because when these type of speeches are heard outside the shores of the country, it discourages foreign direct investments and make local investors to be cautious which will further endanger our fragile economy.”

Yobe Places Restriction on Vehicular Movement
Yobe State Government has placed a restriction on vehicular movement to allow for a hitch-free celebration of Eid-el-Kabir in the state.

The governor of the state, Alhaji Ibrahim Gaidam, in a statement by his Director of Press Affairs, Mallam Abdullahi Bego, said the measure becomes necessary in order to ensure the safety and security of people across the state.
Bego said: “His Excellency Governor Ibrahim Gaidam has approved the placement of restriction on all vehicular movement from 10p.m.tonight (Thursday) until 11a.m.tomorrow (Friday).”

The statement advised members of the public to keep all vehicles away from the road, exception is however given to vehicles on official duty and with valid security clearance.

The statement read: “The Yobe State Government takes this measure in consultation with the heads of security and law enforcement agencies to ensure smooth, secure and hitch-free Eid prayers today (Friday).”
The public is also advised to cooperate with security agents to ensure hitch-free celebration.

Gaidam called on Muslim faithful to make sacrifices that will make the world a better place for all.
The governor, in a message to the state on Eid-el-Kabir celebration, said: “The acts of sacrifice in this festive period, symbolise our willingness to give up things and bounties that are of benefit to us or close to our hearts for the sake of others.
“We must learn to make sacrifices and strive towards the attainment of a happy society wherein we shall all live as our brother’s keepers. We must make sacrifices to share the good things we have with our neighbours, the poor and the needy among us to enable them have a meaningful livelihood.”

Akpabio Congratulates Muslims

The Senate Minority Leader, Godswill Akpabio, has congratulated Muslims in the country on the celebration of this year’s Eid-el- Kabir.
He charged them not to forget the very tenets of the religion, which are love, obedience and perseverance as they celebrate the festival.

Akpabio, whose goodwill message was contained in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Jackson Udom, urged Muslim faithful to eschew bitterness and hatred, and imbibe the spirit of love, unity and faith as they celebrate Eid-el-kabir today.
He charged Nigerians to continue to use the period to pray for the leadership of the country, noting that “the leadership of this country needs prayers and support from everyone, without any regard for political, religious or ethnic leanings, because economic hardship does not recognise politics, religion nor ethnic divides. Therefore, all hands must be on deck to salvage the situation for the benefit of Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora.”

Engage in Acts that Enhance National Integration, Tambuwal Urges Nigerians

Sokoto State Governor, Alhaji Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has called on Nigerians to always promote acts that would enhance national integration and brotherhood.

This was contained in a goodwill message in commemoration of this year’s Sallah celebration issued by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Public Affairs, Malam Imam Imam, which was made available to journalists in Sokoto.
He stressed the need for Nigerians to imbibe the spirit of godliness, charity, perseverance and spiritual intercession for the nation as they celebrate Eid-el-Adha.
Tambuwal described the Sallah period as one that honours the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son to show submission to Allah’s command.

Let Us Rededicate Ourselves to the Service of Allah, Says Obaseki

As our Muslims worldwide celebrate Eid-el-Kabir today, The Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has offered felicitations on behalf of his government and the people of state.
According to him, “We have put in place measures to guarantee that everyone is secure in the state during the celebrations of this very significant event.
“I therefore urge you all to rededicate yourselves to the service of Almighty God and continue to manifest the essence of Eid-el-Kabir, which is obedience to God’s command and the expression of love towards all.”

We Believe in United Nigeria, Says APC

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has urged Nigerians to eschew all forms of violence, and have in peaceful coexistence.
In a goodwill message issued by the National Chairman of APC, Chief John Odigie Oyegun, to felicitate with Muslim faithful in the country on the occasion of Eid-el-Kabir, the party expressed worry, saying: “The wave of agitations across the country has the potential of undermining the unity and our relationship across religious and ethnic divides.
“As we gather around family and friends to celebrate Eid-el-Kabir, we should be reminded of the significance of the holy festival which is to celebrate the love and grace of the Almighty God to mankind through sacrifice, devotion and faith.”

Bauchi Gov Distributes Food Items to Villages

As part of efforts to bring succour to the less privileged people especially in this festive period, the Governor of Bauchi State, Mohammed Abubakar, yesterday donated food items to the needy at Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area, Lusa and Boi villages in Bogoro Local Government Area of the state.
Making the donation on behalf of the governor, former member of the state House of Assembly from Bogoro state constituency, Hon. Rifkatu Samson, explained that items to be distributed include 150 bags of rice and 50 bags of maize to the beneficiaries.
Others, according to him, were 500 bags of cement, 50 bundles of zinc, 10 drums of paints, mats and kettles for selected mosques in the two local government areas.
The governor, who noted that orphans and widows were mostly targeted, said the gesture was aimed to make them enjoy the Sallah festival like other citizens.

Fayemi, Osinkolu Sue for Patriotism, Love

The Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has felicitated with Muslims on the occasion of the Eid- el- Kabir, urging them to continue to uphold the lessons of love, loyalty and sacrifice which are the hallmark of the festival.
Fayemi, in a goodwill message signed by his Special Assistant on
Media, Mr. Olayinka Oyebode, said the Eid el-Kabir festival also offers another opportunity for sober reflection, soul searching and spiritual renewal which God demands from the faithful.
The minister urged Nigerians to continue to pray and work for peace and unity in the country. He advised the Muslim faithful and adherents of other faiths to always demonstrate love and understanding towards one another in the quest for a greater and more prosperous Nigeria.
Also, an All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Dr. Olusegun
Osinkolu, has felicitated with Muslims for witnessing yet another Eid-el-Kabir celebration, urging them to use the festive period to pray for the country to be able to overcome its current challenges.

Ahmed, Baraje, Mustapha Task Muslims on Peace, Unity

Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed, yesterday tasked Muslims in the state to use the period of this year’s celebration to pray for peace and unity of the country.
In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Abdulwahab Oba, Ahmed said the opportunity by Allah “to enable us witness yet another celebration should be used to pray for peace and unity in the country.”
Ahmed, who urged Muslims to pray for safe return of pilgrims from the holy land, said Nigerians should be ambassadors of a united and prosperous country rather than engage in hate and disunity.
Meanwhile, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Abubakar Kawu Baraje, and the Special Adviser to the Senate President, Hon. Mashood Mustapha, also felicitated with Nigerian Muslims on the occasion of Eid-el- Kabir.
The two in separate statements urged Muslims to use the period to pray for peace and tranquility in the country.

Niger Governor, PDP, Others Felicitate with Muslims

Niger State Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello, and the state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have felicitated with Muslims on the celebration of the Eid-el-Kabir festival.
While Bello asked the Muslim Ummah not to allow the zeal and commitment of the present administration to fix the country’s economy to slip off, the PDP challenged them to remain fervent in prayer for the resuscitation of the economy.
Bello in the message signed by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity Mr. Jide Orintunsin, said: “There can be no better time than now to reposition the country for greatness.”
In its statement, PDP rejoiced with all the Muslims in the state, saying: “We should avoid anything that will bring our great religion into disrepute.”

Daniel Calls for Sacrifice, Forgiveness

Former Governor of Ogun State, Gbenga Daniel, has congratulated Muslims on the celebration of this year’s Eid-el-Kabir urging them to imbibe the spirit of sacrifice, forgiveness and selfless service as part of the virtues of Islam.Daniel, in a goodwill message signed by his Media Officer, Ayo Giwa, stated that Muslims should be guided by the spirit of the festival, which was a symbolic demonstration of total obedience to the will of Allah, kindness to one another and service to humanity as exhibited by Prophet Ibrahim.
Eid-El-Kabir, according to the former governor, goes beyond festivity but rather, to embrace love, eschew bitterness and offer prayers for genuine peace, unity and progress of Nigeria and its leadership at all tiers of governance.
He also urged Muslims to always preach against religion extremism and allow lessons of the season to continue to guide their conducts long after the celebrations.

Akinlade Preaches Peace, Lauds Amosun

Three-time member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abiodun Akinlade, has felicitated with Nigerians, especially Muslims in Ogun State, as they celebrate this year’s Eid-el-Kabir.
Akinlade, who is the Baba Adinni of Yewa, urged Muslim faithful to see the significance of the season as an act of devotion meant to inculcate the Islamic virtues of obedience, peace, devotion, and faith in the will of Allah.
While praying for a hitch-free Sallah celebration, Akinlade, who is a governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State, canvassed for genuine love, respect for one another, generosity and kindness in the state and the country.
The former representative of Yewa South/Ipokia federal constituency also lauded the state Governor, Ibikunle Amosun, for uplifting the standard of governance in the state, enjoining Muslims and Christians to continue their support for the state government.

Glo Congratulates Muslims

For being alive to witness this year’s Eid-el-Kabir, Nigerian telecoms company, Globacom, has congratulated Nigerian Muslims as they mark the feast of sacrifice.
Globacom also felicitated with Nigerian pilgrims who successfully performed this year’s Hajj, urging them to use the occasion of this year’s festival to thank Allah for the progress made so far by the government in returning peace to some parts of the country once ravaged by insurgents.
According to a statement issued in Lagos yesterday, the telecoms giant encouraged the Ummah in Nigeria not to relent in their prayers, adding: “We urge you all to use this occasion to continue your supplications for the peace and prosperity of the nation, while being your brothers’ keepers and helping one another to surmount current challenges in the country.”

Sallah: Kalu felicitates with Muslims, Preaches Peace
Eminent businessman and former governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, has joined muslim faithfuls across the country to celebrate the Eid-il-Kabir .
This is even as he urged the faithful to embrace peace and imbibe the values of Prophet Mohammed in their daily lives.
In a statement signed by his Special Assistant, Peter Eze, Kalu said Muslims have immensely contributed to the building of the nation hence, should avoid anything that would not be progressive.
He also congratulated all Nigerians who despite the economic situations successfully performed the Hajj this year in fulfillment of a key injunction of their faith.
He urged the faithful to continue to pray for peace in the country, noting that the fervent prayers by individuals and peace loving religious groups has accounted for the peace that Nigeria still enjoy as a nation in recent years.

The former governor said: “I want to urge our Muslim brothers to always be guided by the attributes and lessons from the life and times of Holy Prophet Mohammed which symbolises peace, love, tolerance, and good neighbourliness. We must put Nigeria first in all our considerations and endeavours.
“Nigeria will experience quicker progress towards the f security and stability which are essential for development by abiding by the rule of law and embracing our cultural values.” he said .

While emphasising on the need to eschew hate speeches that are capable of causing an avoidable violence in the nation, Kalu noted that “every country has its own pressing challenges and we should not allow ours to swallow us.”
“Nigerians should learn how to use constitutional means in airing out their grievances rather than engage in acts that can cause ethnic unrest in the country .”

He also reiterated his support for the unity of the country adding that the country’s strength lies heavily on its diversity. He equally called on the federal government to fashion out modalities that would teach Nigerian youths the values and importance of peaceful co-existence and extended a special thanks to President Muhammadu Buhari for his good works so far.