President Bola Tinubu has thanked God for the opportunity provided many to witness this year’s Eid-el- Kabir celebration.
Presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the last election, Mr. Peter Obi, urges spirit of oneness, calling for intensified prayers for a new Nigeria. He further charged Nigerians not to allow the prevailing hardship and provocative attitudes of leaders in the country to affect their faith in God, who will make possible a better and prosperous Nigeria.
The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, on his part waxed spiritual and called on Muslims to emulate the faith’s prophets.
In a message put out by his office, the President said: “I join Muslims in Nigeria and all over the world in observance of Eid-el-Kabir. We must thank Almighty Allah for the grace to witness another Eid.
“As we immerse ourselves in the joy of this moment and celebrate, let us remember those who may not be as fortunate like us.
“Coming as the end of religious activities spanning the first ten days of the Islamic Month of Dhul Hijjah, Eid-el-Kabir enjoins us as Muslims to show mercy and compassion to our fellow humans.
“Eid-el-Kabir is a festival of sacrifice and total obedience to Allah as exemplified in the exceptional action of Prophet Ibrahim.
“There is no greater sense of duty ever recorded in history outside the ennobling example of Prophet Ibrahim in offering his only son Ismail as sacrifice to Allah.
“The best way by which we can demonstrate this example is in how we conduct ourselves in relation to our fellow citizens and in our duties to our beloved country. We must imbibe and manifest those values inherent in Prophet Ibrahim’s life, namely; complete devotion to Allah, tolerance, patience, perseverance, selflessness, love and compassion.
“This season, let us endeavour to multiply good deeds with our kindness to our fellow Muslims and others by helping and supporting the weak and vulnerable in our communities. By so doing, we showcase the values and virtues of our faith.
“At the moment, our country is going through some challenges especially with our struggling economy and simmering security challenges. While I acknowledge all of these, I want to assure you that they are not insurmountable. I am working day and night with my team, fleshing out solutions. We have started with the decisions taken so far, to reform our economy and remove all impediments to growth.
“As we embrace the present challenges, we must face the future with vigour and Renewed Hope with the confidence that our tomorrow shall be better and brighter.
“I wish you all a happy Sallah celebration.”
Obi in his Sallah message, urged the Muslim faithful who are celebrating a great feast of Eid-El Kabir to imbibe the spirit of love, brotherliness, and peaceful co-existence. He said every faithful patriot must continue to serve God and our Country selflessly.
The LP standard bearer said that the people should use this year’s Eid-El Kabir festivities to engender the spirit of oneness and also re-dedicate themselves to the virtues of love, patriotism, and unity for the desired national development.
The former Anambra state Governor noted that ceremonies like this give us ample opportunity to appreciate our creator whose mercy and grace to us are enormous even when we do not deserve it.
Obi also asked Nigerian Muslims to use the solemn period of Sallah to present Nigeria’s discomforting situation to Allah for his prompt intervention.
He noted that poor leadership was threatening our nationhood and there is a need to seek God’s intervention but he urged Nigerians to devote themselves to the values that unite and bind all citizens in love while permanently putting behind all divisive tendencies.
“An intense prayer for our dear country has become very necessary more than ever before as our nationhood is in dire need of divine intervention to survive.
“Our economy is already under severe stress, the currency is losing value daily, unemployment and inflation rising at unprecedented speed, and people living in multi-dimensional poverty are increasing by the day.
But notwithstanding the gloomy situation, Obi implored the people not to despair and miss the essence and meaning of Eid-el-Kabir festivity and the divine succor it brings, assuring us that there is always a light at the end of every tunnel because a new Nigeria is POssible.
He wished all Nigerians a happy Sallah celebration and prayed for enduring peace in a secure country.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, congratulated Muslims in Nigeria and across the world on this year’s celebration of the Eid-el-Kabir festival.
A press release signed by the Media Office of the Waziri Adamawa on Tuesday enjoins Muslims in Nigeria to take a lesson of forbearance from the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim (AS).
According to the former Vice President, “the significance of the festival that we are celebrating today (Wednesday) is about the profitability of being patient with God in our affairs as human beings, and most especially, as Muslims,” Atiku is quoted to have said.
He went further to also remind Muslims of the obligation to follow the noble examples of Prophets Ibrahim (AS) and Mohammed (SAW) by being kind and generous to the people around them.
“The scriptures on all prophets of Allah are replete with good examples of how they related with everyone during their lifetimes.
“We are also enjoined to follow the footsteps of the prophets, especially Prophet Mohammed, which means that we must live our everyday life as a sacrifice, not just for our families, but the communities where we find ourselves.”
Atiku further urges Muslims in Nigeria to pray for the country at various Eid prayer grounds, saying that, “Nigeria is currently in need of prayers. We must continue to ask God Almighty to show His blessings upon the country and to elevate Nigeria to a path of peace, harmony, and prosperity.”
The former Vice President concludes by calling the attention of Muslim not to be extravagant on the celebration of Eid and enjoins those of means to share the joy of the celebration with the needy.