Victor EzejaAs Nigerian Muslims celebrate this year’s Eid-el-Kanbir, also known as Eid al-Adha, Prominent political leaders including the former president, Muhammadu Buhari; ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) during the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, have stressed the need for love, and peaceful coexistence among the citizens.
In separate statements sighted by Prime Business Africa, they urged the Muslim faithful to imbibe the lessons behind the significance of the feast to exhibit good deeds of compassion and sacrifice for one another.
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Buhari In a statement issued by his former spokesperson, Garba Shehu, noted that leading a diverse country like Nigeria is a big challenge and appealed to Nigerians to support his successor, President Bola Tinubu.
He said: “Leading a country like Nigeria is one of the hardest challenges in life,” noting that, “leadership is a challenging task that demands the sacrifices and support of the citizens.”
The former president also wished Muslims a successful Hajj.
Atiku Reminds Muslims To Follow the Footsteps of Prophet Muhammed
In a statement posted on his official Twitter handle, Atiku while congratulating Muslims in Nigeria and across the world, said that the significance of the festival “is about the profitability of being patient with God in our affairs as human beings, and most especially, as Muslims.”
The former vice president and presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the last general election reminded Muslims of the obligation to follow the footsteps of Prophets Ibrahim and Mohammed 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.
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“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.
“Nigeria is currently in need of prayers. We must continue to ask God Almighty to show His blessings upon the country and elevate Nigeria to a path of peace, harmony, and prosperity,” Atiku stated.
Obi Pushes for Social Cohesion
On his part, Obi enjoined the people to use the occasion of the Eide-el-Kabir celebration to rededicate themselves to the virtues of unity, love and patriotism “for the desired national development.”
The former Anambra State governor also called on Nigerians to put behind, all divisive tendencies and embrace unity.
He also urged them not to despair about the challenges in the country but to offer supplications to God for a new Nigeria.
His words: “Eid-El Kabir gives us ample opportunities to appreciate our creator whose mercy and grace to us are enormous, even when we do not deserve them. Nigerian Muslims should use this solemn period of Eid-El Kabir to present Nigeria’s discomforting situation to Allah for His prompt intervention.
“I urge Nigerians to devote themselves to the values that unite and bind all citizens in love. Let us permanently put behind all divisive tendencies.
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“We should not despair and miss the essence and meaning of Eid-el-Kabir festivities, and the divine succour that it brings in assuring us that there is always a light at the end of every tunnel. A new Nigeria is Possible.”
Pray For Leaders – Otti
Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, while felicitating Muslims, called on the citizens to use the occasion of Eide-el-Kabir to pray for the leaders at various levels for progress and development.
In a statement posted on his Twitter handle, Dr Otti said: “Happy Eid el Kabir to our Muslim community in Abia and beyond!
“Just as Prophet Ibrahim showed faith in God, let’s uphold our leaders in prayer as we aim to bring prosperity to Abia. We’re fulfilling campaign promises by declaring emergencies in the environment, health, and education sectors, and ensuring regular payment of salaries. We’re transforming Aba and Umuahia, improving ease of doing business and revenue systems. However, peace is vital for progress. Let’s be law-abiding and maintain harmony.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with six years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Masters degree in Mass Communication.
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