President Bola Tinubu and his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari, at their separate praying grounds on Wednesday in Lagos and Katsina states respectively, rejoiced with the Muslim faithful on the celebration of the Eid El-Fitri.
Tinubu and his predecessor called on Nigerians to love the country and support leaders.
Tinubu, who was present at the Dodan Barracks in Ikoyi, Lagos, to observe the Eid prayer, urged Nigerians to defend the integrity of the country.
“The kind of resilience, sacrifice, endurance that we have, we should preserve that for the country. Be a kind and cheerful giver, love our country better than any other country – that is the only one that we have.
“And we must continue to protect the integrity of our government and leadership. The new hope is alive, well and fine and Nigerians should continue to be very hopeful. Without hope there is no salvation, without hope, there is no development, without hope, there is no life,” Tinubu told journalists on his way out of the prayer ground.
Also, speaking to journalists in Daura shortly after observing the Eid prayer, Buhari congratulated fellow Muslims on the successful completion of the 30-day Ramadan fasting, urging “all citizens to support our leaders from the local government level to the highest level, in their efforts to transform and develop the landscape of the nation.”
He urged “Support for our leaders,” saying, “(It) is a vote for a better tomorrow.”
Buhari further said, “It is imperative that we stand united in safeguarding the sovereignty and integrity of our nation.”
He called on contestants of political offices “to always ensure a smooth succession from one administration to another without stoking communal tensions and obstructing development, irrespective of political party affiliation.”
Earlier, while leading the prayer session at the Dodan barracks praying ground, the Grand Chief Imam of Lagos, Sheik Sulaiman Nolla, said fasting had great blessings.
First Lady preaches compassion
The wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, enjoined Muslims across the country to exercise moderation and not discard the lessons of Ramadan on the altar of celebrations.
Urging compassion, Mrs Tinubu, in a statement by her Senior Special Assistant on Media, Busola Kukoy, said, “We should be modest in our celebration and continue to extend love to others. Our kindness to one another and service to humanity should extend beyond the month of Ramadan.
“Let us sustain those virtues of self-purification, sacrifice, self-discipline, and being compassionate to fellow Nigerians. Our priority as a people should include praying for our nation.”
Pray for leaders – Sultan
The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the National Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, has encouraged the Muslim Ummah to actively pursue knowledge to strengthen their faith.
In the Sultan’s Eid message on Wednesday, he emphasised the importance of continuing to pray for leaders and the prosperity of the country.
“We should express gratitude to Almighty Allah for granting us the gift of life and good health, allowing us to observe the 30 days of fasting and celebrate Eid-el-Fitr.
“Today marks a significant day in Islam as Muslims worldwide commemorate the conclusion of Ramadan and the Eid-el-Fitr festivities.
“Moreover, let us perpetuate the spirit of compassion and support for one another, as demonstrated during the month of Ramadan, and extend assistance to those in need,” he appealed.
Govs seek peace
The Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, enjoined the people of the state to work together to ensure peaceful coexistence among diverse interests in the state.
Speaking at the Okene Central Eid Prayer ground, Governor Ododo said, “Let us cherish the spirit of unity and compassion that defines this day and let it inspire us to continue working together towards a brighter future for our people and our state.
“Let us use this period to reflect on our shared values of love, compassion, and solidarity, and to renew our commitment to building a stronger and more vibrant Kogi State together. “
Also, Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State urged the Muslim community in the state to uphold the virtues of Ramadan to attract Allah’s abundant mercy and forgiveness.
“I am aware of the numerous acts of assistance provided by some of our affluent citizens to the needy in our society, which is truly commendable.
“On our part, the government has allocated significant resources to aid the less privileged and vulnerable groups throughout the state,” he stated.
Similarly, Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, implored Nigerians to uphold patriotism and the spirit of tranquility while entreating for peace and prosperity of Kano State and Nigeria at large.
Also, Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State said, “The current difficulties are transient and better days lie ahead. Nigeria will emerge stronger.”
Support Tinubu , says Emir
The Emir of Ilorin and Chairman Kwara State Traditional Rulers Council, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, sued for support for President Tinubu and Governor AbdulRaman AbdulRazaq of Kwara state.
The monarch stated this in his Sallah message to the people of Ilorin Emirate and beyond delivered at the Ilorin Central Eid praying ground marking the 2024 Eid-el-Fitr celebration.
He noted that despite all the challenges facing the nation, the people of Ilorin Emirate were living in peace and harmony without rancour “which necessitates us to remain grateful and prayerful always.”
Saraki prays for Nigeria
Former Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, prayed for Nigeria and Kwara and preached continued righteousness among the citizens.
According to the statement signed by his Press Officer on Local Matters, Abdulganiyu Abdulqadir, Saraki urged the Muslim faithful to strive for harmony and peace, noting that the month of Ramadan was a month of reorientation for Muslims towards discipline, modesty, and self-restraint.
Additional reports by Olasunkanmi Akinlotan, Animasahun Salman, Gbenga Odogun, and Tunde Oyekola