As Muslims Mark Eid-El-Kabir, GEJ, Mark, Preach Peace & Harmony
SAN FRANCISCO, November 05, (THEWILL) - President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has conveyed greetings and felicitations to all Nigerians, especially the Islamic faithful on the occasion of this year’s Eid-El-Kabir celebrations.
In a special message to the nation, President Jonathan also congratulated all Nigerians who have undertaken the Holy Pilgrimage to Mecca and Medina this year and wished them Allah's mercies as they travel back home.
The President urged Nigerians to seize the opportunity of the Eid-El-Kabir holiday to reflect on how the ideals and virtues of peace, harmony, brotherly love, selflessness, tolerance, honesty, fairness, justice and equity taught by Islam and other religions can be more extensively harnessed and deployed in addressing the developmental challenges confronting the nation.
Noting that Eid-El-Kabir is a festival of sacrifice that commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son, Ismail, in obedience to the will of Allah, President Jonathan appealed for the continued support and understanding of Nigerians, saying that his administration's efforts to transform the country may require that they make more sacrifices to build a better nation for present and future generations.
The President, however, assured Nigerians that such sacrifices will not be in vain as his Administration’s efforts to positively transform the nation will soon begin to yield fruits.
"I am certain that this administration’s plans for rapid national development will soon begin to bear fruit and fulfill the yearnings of our country men and women for qualitative changes in their lives," President Jonathan said.
The President noted, however, that the anticipated progress will be more readily achieved with peace and security in all parts of the country. He, therefore, enjoined Nigerians to continue to work for the peace and stability of the nation.
"As we labour to grow and develop our country, it is important that we eschew all vices, including religious and social violence that can disrupt the peace and stability of our nation," President Jonathan said.
He wished all Nigerians happy Sallah celebrations.
Put Nation first, Mark charges Muslims at Sallah
President of the Senate, Senator David Mark has enjoined Muslim faithfuls to lift up their spirits, pray for the nation and face the challenges of today with new hope and vision.
Senator Mark in a good will message to Muslim brothers and sisters on the celebration of Eid-Ei-Kabir however, noted that today’s challenges should not dampen our spirit to celebrate pointing out that Nigerians have indomitable spirit and resolute to live together under one indivisible geographical entity.
The President of the Senate specifically implored the Muslim faithful to pray for the continued peace, unity and progress of the nation and wished Nigerian Muslims in far away Saudi Arabia performing the Hajj safe journey back home.
He said: “I am glad to note that Nigerians from all walks of life, religious or ethnic leanings are of the consensus that there are more to gain by staying together than otherwise.
“It is therefore incumbent on all of us to play our parts and make Nigeria a place of pride for all citizens and foreigners alike.
“The ugly picture of occasional outburst by some radical groups especially the violence orchestrated by the Boko Haram sect, is a challenge not just to the security operatives but to all citizens.
“No matter the grievances in a man’s mind, resort to violence, arms struggle or outright taking of another man’s life cannot be and has never been a solution to any problem.
“Whatever the circumstances time tested approach to dialogue or persuasion remains the best option.
“I am persuaded to assert that our Almighty creator does not make mistake and has very good reasons for making us citizens of Nigeria, with diverse culture and religion that should be harnessed for the benefit of all.
“We must therefore imbibe the culture of good neighbourliness, religious tolerance and live and let live attitude to each other.
“On our parts, the Senate and indeed, the National Assembly will always be guided in its activities and actions by public opinions that are in the best interest of all citizens of Nigeria.
“As elected representatives of the people, we must at all times represent the interest of our people creditably without fear or favour.”