The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ajuri Ngelale, made this known in a press statement.

He said in deference to the solemn occasion, which marks the end of Ramadan, the president would observe the moment in prayers for Nigeria and with family.

He added that the president would continue official duties during and after the Eid-el-Fitr holidays.

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Governor Sanwo-Olu in his Eid-el-Fitr message issued on Thursday by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, prayed for the state and her residents especially the Muslim Ummah on the occasion of Eid-el-Fitr, wishing them more of Ramadan festivities in good health and prosperity.

The governor also urged Muslims in Lagos State and across Nigeria to continue on the path of spirituality and peaceful co-existence, adding that they should not depart from the lessons learned during the holy month, especially on perseverance, tolerance and being of good behaviour to one another.

He said: “Today, I join millions of people around the world, to wish our Muslim brothers and sisters in Lagos State and Nigeria happy Eid-el-Fitr. Today’s celebration is very unique for Muslims. It is a feast to mark the end of a month-long spiritual renewal after 29 days of fasting, prayers, and other religious acts.

“The Holy Month of Ramadan is very significant to Muslims across the world as one of the major pillars of Islam, which teaches abstinence from worldly pleasures, steadfastness in prayers and total submission to the will of Allah according to the Quranic injunctions.

“I want to admonish all of us that we shouldn’t allow all the prayers and fasting during the Holy month go to waste. Please, let us all continue to live in that state of grace. Let us continue to imbibe and show that something important has passed through us and let it reflect in our words, our lives and our relationship with fellow human beings.

“We should not limit the goodness of our deeds to Ramadan period alone, we must make the lessons and acts our ways of life.”

Governor Sanwo-Olu urged the Muslim Ummah to continue to offer prayers for continued peace and stability in Nigeria, especially as the country prepares for the swearing-in of the President-Elect, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu next month.

The governor also seeks prayers for his government as he resumes for a second term on May 29 and urged Lagosians to support his administration’s quest for a Greater Lagos.

He reassured Lagos residents of his government’s commitment to good governance and people-oriented programmes, saying his administration was fully on track to delivering the dividends of democracy and good governance to the people of Lagos State.

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In his goodwill Sallah message, he said: “Let me join other leaders in congratulating my fellow Muslims for successfully witnessing the end of this year’s Ramadan fasting period, a period that came with tough spiritual challenges that were designed to strengthen our Iman and Tawheed.”

“During this period of self-discipline, we had seen the importance of the abstention from all sinful acts that are in the overall interest of our spiritual life and happiness. God teaches us to eschew evils because it’s for our own ultimate good.

“One of the greatest blessings of Ramadan is that it helps us to get closer to our Creator, strengthen our faith, and promote charity or the spirit of giving to the weak and poor. It is important that we continue to live with the spirit of love, peace and harmony which Ramadan requires.

“It is equally important that we remember our country as we pray at our respective Eid prayer grounds. We must pray for God to enlarge His mercies and blessings upon the country.

“Nigeria needs peace and harmony and we as citizens must ensure that we live our lives according to the pleasings of God. We must make justice and fairness the hallmark of our nation.

“Let’s not pretend that all is well. Our country is deeply divided. The outcome of the 2023 presidential election has made this division worse. I’m sincerely worried about this appalling reality.”

The Waziri of Adamawa called on Muslims to join the efforts towards healing these divisions.

“Nigeria is so important to us that we shouldn’t abandon its fate to divisive and demagogic politicians. We are all stakeholders in a united Nigeria. We must be part of the efforts to achieve interfaith dialogue with a view to achieving peaceful coexistence and a clime of love and religious tolerance,” the former vice president advised Muslims.

The former vice president wishes every family celebrating Eid el fitri pleasant festivities.

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The message is contained in a statement issued on Sunday by his media aide, Mallam Garba Shehu.

The statement reads:

As the holy month of Ramadan reaches its end and Muslims mark the Eid, President Muhammadu Buhari sends his best wishes to Muslims in Nigeria and across the world celebrating the occasion:

“After a period of fasting and reflection, this year, we have cause to welcome the occasion in hope. The battle waged against terrorists who falsely masquerade under the name of Islam is approaching its conclusion,’’ said the president.

“The fight has been long and hard. Final victory is within sight. Boko Haram and its offshoots’ final embers are now fading.

“Last month, the leader of ISWAP was killed in an airstrike. Since the New Year, thousands of fighters have surrendered to enter rehabilitation programmes. The territories they used to occupy are now seeing the return of those who were forced to flee their barbarity. Normality is finally beginning to return to the Northeast. It is a long process. Yet it is one we are, together, now embarking upon.

“With the designation of bandit groups as terrorists, the challenges of banditry and kidnapping are being tackled differently in the North-western and North Central states where the latest military acquisitions and the Armed Forces are being fanned out across the region to thwart acts of terror.

“The administration is equally getting impressive reports of the special operations to curb crude oil theft and illegal oil bunkering in the South-South, with millions of illegally refined products being impounded and illegal refineries destroyed.

“While we are making progress cleaning the environment, some evil people are busy causing more pollution and destruction.

‘‘In response to the disturbing rise in criminal attacks targeting law enforcement and public facilities in the South East, concerted military operations to rid the region of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Eastern Security Network (ESN) elements have, in recent weeks, led to the overrunning of IPOB/ESN bases, the seizure of weapons and the arrest of a large number of suspects.’’

The president approved the establishment of a Naval Base in Oguta, Imo State.

“The reinvigoration of the war against drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking is also showing positive results as shown by the arrest of over 12, 300 offenders including seven drug barons; the conviction of 1,400, counseling and rehabilitation of about 8,000 drug users.

“The seizure of over 3.4 million kilograms of drugs and cash worth over N130 billion, all in 2021 has been recorded while the first Quarter of this year has seen the arrest of no fewer than 3,536 offenders including security personnel and a well-known billionaire drug baron. The seizure of more than 65,000 tons of assorted drugs in this period sets a record for the nation.’’

It is with a view to giving impetus to the concerned agency that President Buhari granted approvals for the promotion of more than 3,500 officers, the procurement of operational equipment, training for personnel and buildings for residential barracks.

The president also directed increased coordination and cooperation among security agencies, saying that an end has been brought to a silo approach among the agencies, assuring that there will be no shortage of funds to provide security for the citizens.

Eid Mubarak to all!

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Saraki in a statement signed by Yusuph Olaniyonu, head of the Abubakar Bukola Saraki Media Office, advised Nigerians to support the numerous prayers they had made during the holy month concerning their nation with positive attitudes which are necessary for nation-building.

He added that Ramadan symbolized almighty Allah’s way of teaching humanity the attitude of living a virtuous life where people keep away from all forms of impurities and experience denial of several forms of comfort to appreciate what the less-privileged experience as they suffer deprivation.

“While all of us seek to stay away from activities that are injurious to our health, our nation, and our fellow human beings and seek to live a decent life during the fasting period, we should make this solemn and God-fearing way of life a permanent thing.

“We should all extend the lessons of Ramadan to the way we live with our neighbours. We should seek peace at all times, promote tolerance of people who speak different languages with us, and worship God in different ways. We should respect the laws of the land and exhibit discipline at all times. Our level of patriotism should increase after Ramadan. That is what this just ended holy month signifies.

“I do not doubt that millions of Nigerian Muslims who just completed their fasting as well as their Christian brothers and sisters who earlier this month completed the Lent period of fasting prayed for Nigeria. It is the accumulation of all these prayers that have kept this country going despite all the serious challenges confronting her. I believe God will decisively intervene in the affairs of our country and save her from all the existential threats.

“As the 2023 general election approaches and we gradually commence the process that will lead us to the polls when we will have the opportunity to elect new leaders that will save the country, I pray for genuine guidance from Almighty God for all the citizens of this country, particularly the ones that are of voting age. May we choose right and may our choice ultimately lead to the redemption, rebuilding, rededication, development, and fixing of the country,” Saraki prays.

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Although this is a sign of the return to normalcy as infection rates fall to their lowest, those coming on invitation are still required to wear face masks and undergo the linear Covid-19 test at the State House Conference Centre to obtain a negative test result as condition for admittance to the event.

President Muhammadu Buhari, according to his media aide, Mallam Garba Shehu, is set to receive the visitors, numbering about 100 at the New State House Banquet Hall at 3:00pm on Sallah Day (Sunday or Monday), itself to be determined by moon sighting to be announced by Islamic authorities in the country.

Invited guests for the event, led by Muhammed Musa Bello, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, include the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and the Head of Service, the Senator and House members from the territory, leadership of the FCT Judiciary, Members of the Cabinet, Service Chiefs and heads of security agencies, Muslim and Christian leaderships in the FCT, Council Chairmen, Traditional Rulers and others who received invitations as listed on the manifest.

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This is as he said the challenges facing the country were surmountable only when its people come together as one.

Buhari made the remarks on Wednesday in a statement he issued on the occasion of Eid-el-Fitr celebrated by muslims at the end of Ramadan fast.

In the statement made available by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, the president rejoiced with muslims across the world.

Said the president: “On this blessed occasion, I wish that the Eid festival brings with it peace, safety, security, brotherhood and love amongst all.

“Unity and solidarity among all citizens, Muslims and Christians are imperative especially at a time when our country is faced with multiple challenges which are surmountable only when we come together as one.

“It is important that we remember how we share, through our faiths, common bonds that should serve to unite us and not allow ourselves to succumb to those who seek to divide us, using our two great religions, for their own selfish advantages.

“We should jointly pray against the tragic incidents of kidnapping and banditry and the desperate quest for political power expressed through blackmail against the existence of our country as a united entity.

“We must resist the temptation to retreat into our communities. I urge our political and religious leaders as well as traditional rulers to encourage our citizens to turn towards one another in love and compassion.”

According to the president, it is noteworthy and delightful to see Christians breaking fast and in some instances, extending goodwill and gifts to Muslim faithful during the Ramadan.

“This model also shone through with Muslim groups joining Christian festivities. These are practices that promote brotherhood and forgiveness,” he said.

President Buhari also urged Nigerians to continue to observe all COVID-19 prevention measures and celebrate responsibly during the holidays.

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Tinubu made the call on Wednesday in a message he personally signed to rejoice with muslims across the world on the occasion of this year’s Eid-el-Fitri.

Eid-el-Fitri is the muslim festival that comes immediately after the end of Ramadan fast.

He stressed that Nigerians should put aside politics and pray for Nigeria and its people.

His words: “The righteous acts and efforts of Ramadan must guide our actions and conduct going forward. Let us put politics aside and continue to pray to Almighty Allah for our country and all its people. Let us remember President Muhammadu Buhari and his government in our prayers that they may be given the requisite strength and wisdom to protect the nation, defeat the challenges that confront us and help establish Nigeria as a more prosperous and just land.”

The statement reads in full:

Let righteous acts, efforts of Ramadan continue to guide our actions

I join with Muslims in Nigeria and across the world in marking the faithful completion of this year’s Ramadan fast, one of the most critical pillars of Islam. As Muslims we have fasted and prayed in a special way during this holy month. We have sacrificed. This act of sacrifice in abstaining from food, drink and other worldly things from dawn to dusk, is not simply a ritual to be performed so that we may seem religious or pious to others.

We abstain from these ordinary things to strengthen our patience, forbearance, perseverance and tolerance. We do so as a sign of complete devotion to and love for Allah and in total appreciation of His mercy toward us. In that an essential lesson that Ramadan teaches is love and compassion, we observe this holy month in order to bring more compassion and love unto this world and in our relations with all we meet, friends as well as strangers, fellow Muslims as well as those of other faiths or beliefs.

Now that the holy month of Ramadan is ending, we must counsel ourselves not to forget its great lessons. We must be better than we were before. We must treat each other with more compassion and understanding. We must build a better society free from want, violence and hatred. We must never condone and tolerate the works and words of those who would do evil or who would pit brother against brother, Nigerian against Nigerian.

The righteous acts and efforts of Ramadan must guide our actions and conduct going forward. Let us put politics aside and continue to pray to Almighty Allah for our country and all its people. Let us remember President Muhammadu Buhari and his government in our prayers that they may be given the requisite strength and wisdom to protect the nation, defeat the challenges that confront us and help establish Nigeria as a more prosperous and just land.

Let us pray for our brave soldiers and security agents confronting insurgents and bandits. We must keep in close remembrance those whose lives have been lost to or impaired by either the violence of terrorism as well as to those who have been lost to or harmed by the global pandemic that is Covid-19. May we see an end to this disease and its consequences in no distant time.

Not only must we pray for good things, we must also act in a better way. We must dedicate ourselves to performing the compassionate and benign things that lie within the power of each of us to do in order to give peace and improve the lives of the people around us. This is the true message and meaning of Ramadan and of Islam itself.

As we commemorate the end of the hold month, may Allah (SWT) grant us His full blessings. May long life and happiness be upon you all. May He accept our prayers and all Ramadan efforts as act of Ibadah. Amin.

Happy Eid-el-fitri!

SIGNED

Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu

May 12, 2021.

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Eid-el-Fitri marks the end of Ramadan, the month of fasting for muslims.

The warning is in obvious compliance with COVID-19 protocols.

The president also encouraged religious, community and political leaders to be contented with modest celebrations at home in view of the pandemic.

He said that he would, along with his family, personal aides, members of cabinet and Service Chiefs who might choose to remain in Abuja would congregate in full compliance with COVID-19 protocols at the forecourt of the Presidential Villa to observe the Eid prayers.

The time of prayer, he said, had been fixed for 9:00am.

President Buhari was quoted as specially thanking the Ulama (Islamic Clerics) and all other religious (Muslim, Christian) leaders who continued to pray for the wellbeing of the nation and its people.

In addition, he commiserated with all who lost family members due to what he described as the ‘madness’ going on in parts of the country.

The president called on all local leaders to talk to their youths and warn them against being used to incite and foment violence.

“If we attack institutions guarding us,” the President wonders, “who will protect us in future emergencies?”

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President of the senate, Mr Ahmad Lawan, made the announcement after a closed-door session with Service Chiefs which lasted about four hours.

The meeting was on the plans of the service chiefs at containing the present insecurity situation in the country.

According to Lawan, the Senate would adjourn for the Sallah break until May 18.

He, however, said that before that date, “we expect that our committees will still be working, particularly the Joint Committee working on the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB).”

“We expect that the joint committee will be presenting its report to the senate as soon as we resume.

“It is still our desire and determination to pass the PIB before the end of May,” Lawan said.

On the Electoral Act amendment Bill, Lawan said that the Senate committee on Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, would still have to do some little work.

He expressed hope that the National Assembly would pass the amendment to the Bill before the summer recess which would be in June.

“Other committees, particularly again, our committee on Constitution Review headed by Deputy Senate President, has designed zonal interactions with our constituents, Nigerians.

“We also expect that they will be able to complete their work as soon as possible for the Senate and House of Representatives to vote on the issues and, of course, send our report to the 36 State Houses of Assembly.

“I’m sure that during our recess, between now and May 18, we will still be doing one form of legislative intervention or the other, either as individuals or may be as groups.

“(This is) because ours is a full time job, and the parliament and parliamentarians are always the first point of call when there is distress.

“Nigerians will always remember National Assembly members as soon as something happens.

“We will continue to be available for our constituents. We should continue to be alive to our responsibilities and we should continue to do our best,” he said.

Source: NAN

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