President Goodluck Jonathan used the celebration of Eid-el-Kabir on Saturday, October 4 and Sunday, October 5 to implore political leaders to focus on the interest of Nigeria and Nigerians in the campaign for the ballot in February 2015.
He urged Muslims and those of other faiths to pray for security, peace, unity and progress of the country as well as for a credible and hitch-free election.
Others who also sent out goodwill messages on Sallah included House of Representatives Deputy Speaker, Emeka Ihedioha; Governors Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo), Adams Oshiomhole (Edo); and former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar.
Jonathan thanked individuals, stakeholders, groups, associations, non-governmental organisations, unions and political leaders nationwide who appreciate his commitment to reposition the country for rapid growth want him to vie for a second term.
“In deciding on an appropriate response to such calls,” he said, “I will place the greater interests of national harmony, cohesion, unity, security, political stability, progress, equity, justice and fairness above any personal ambition or sectional agenda.”
He urged all other political leaders to do the same.
“Let us all rise above unedifying, unpatriotic and selfish personal interests and divisive sectional agenda in the coming national elections.
“Let us also commit ourselves more to the sustenance of democracy and political stability which are essential prerequisites for the advancement of good governance, inclusive economic growth and rapid development.”
Jonathan said in spite of the significant progress Nigeria has made in the past four years, it still faces critical challenges in some areas.
He added, however, that if Nigerians persevere and continue to build diligently on what the present administration has achieved, they will surely overcome all hindrances and fully establish a stronger, more united and prosperous nation that meets collective aspirations and yearnings.
Ihedioha
Ihedioha congratulated Muslims and asked all citizens to renew belief in the Nigerian Project and show greater patriotism to accelerate national growth and development.
He said the significance of the festivities should not be lost on Muslims as the period offered an opportunity to show love and generosity to family, friends, neighbours and the less privileged.
“It is that spirit of love and brotherliness reflected in Sallah that Nigerians, both Muslims and non Muslims, should cultivate and display always to ensure a peaceful and progressive nation for us all,” he stated.
He urged leaders to put patriotic interests above all else, adding that the House of Representatives will continue to promote national unity, growth, and development through positive legislative interventions.
Ajimobi
Ajimobi admonished Muslims to imbibe the spirit of togetherness and peaceful co-existence in order to enhance the growth and development of the country.
He said it is only in an atmosphere of peace that Nigeria can achieve greatness and be counted among the comity of economically-viable nations.
Ajimobi condemned killings and destruction of property, particularly in the North East, describing it as an ill-wind that blows no one any good.
“Bloodshed cannot make us a great nation. Whatever are our grouses against the Nigerian nation can be resolved at a roundtable. Let us explore the chances of resolutions of our differences rather than shedding blood of innocent Nigerians’’ he stressed.
He urged Muslims to pray for the peace, progress, and economic emancipation of the country, and told politicians to show maturity as preparation for the election gathers momentum.
Ajimobi enjoined all Nigerians to show love towards their fellow human beings and dedication to the service of humanity.
He said his administration has done everything within its power and used available resources to ensure the state in put on a sound footing.
Oshiomhole
Oshiomhole also congratulated the Muslims and urged them to remember that obedience to Allah and uprightness are some of the virtues of a true worshipper.
His words: “We should never forget that even in trials and temptations, our love for our neighbour must never diminish and our obedience to the will of Allah must be unwavering.
“The faithful should use the opportunity of this Eid-el-Kabir to deepen their faith in Allah and renew the spirit of obeisance to the will of the Almighty in accordance with the inimitable faith of Prophet Ibrahim.
“Even as we celebrate, we should not forget to spare a moment for our country and pray for her to surmount her present challenges.
“We should unite in our collective resolve to forge ahead despite our seemingly intractable problems and we should remember that all Nations of the world have their peculiar challenges.”
Oshiomhole prayed for the safe return of pilgrims to Mecca and Medina.
Atiku
In his own message, Atiku stressed that strict adherence to due diligence before entering into contracts is an imperative for the evolution of a progressive.
He said the significance of the festival is a celebration of trust between man and God, rooted in the fulfilment of promises.
A statement issued by Atiku’s media office quoted him as saying that trust is the foundation of the relationship between man and God and that the two principal religions in Nigeria – Christianity and Islam – both place a premium on fulfilling the terms of agreements.
He rejoiced “with fellow Muslims across the country to celebrate the Eid-el-Kabir festival” but stressed that the significance “is not in the blood or the flesh of the rams that are slaughtered.
“The message is for people to be honour bound to respect the terms of the promises made to other entities.
“As a society, we must place a premium on trust. Our greatness as a country is attainable only when the government honours the promises it makes to the people.
“A leader who has a track record of reneging on every promise he makes cannot drive the process of change we desperately yearn for.
“As a people too, we must be vigilant and thorough about the decisions that we take in conjunction with others. It is our responsibility to ensure that we enter into agreements with people of proven character and credibility.
“The prevailing mindset of placing trust in people based on primordial sentiments such as ethnic or religious considerations without recourse to due diligence is not healthy for the growth of individuals or nations.”
PDP
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) urged Muslims to reflect on the virtue of faith and total submission to the will of the Almighty God.
A statement issued by PDP National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh, said Eid el-Kabir is an opportunity for Muslims to rededicate themselves to God by rekindling the spirit of sacrifice, patience, and love.
“Indeed, the Eid-el-Kabir teaches great lessons in faith in the Almighty God who, in His infinite wisdom destined Nigeria as one united, indivisible, and prosperous nation where the welfare, freedom and happiness of all citizens are guaranteed.
“We therefore urge all Nigerians to keep hope alive, pray and work towards the greatness of our dear nation. We must re dedicate ourselves to the values that unite and strengthen us as a people and resist all vices that seek to weaken and tear us apart”, the PDP said.
The party reiterated commitment to the unity and prosperity of Nigeria.