Abuja – Speaker of House of Representatives, Mr Yakubu Dogara, has felicitated with Muslims at Eid-el-fitir and urged all Nigerians to pray for peace and stability.
This is contained in a statement signed by Mr Turaki Hassan, Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs to the Speaker, made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Thursday.
The statement said the Speaker called on Nigerians not to relent in prayers for the peace, unity and development of the country.
It said Nigerians, especially Muslims, should use the Sallah period to pray for the country to overcome the multifaceted challenges facing the country.
According to the statement, more than ever before, the present crop of leaders are coming at a very difficult time when the country`s economy is in bad shape, worsened by dwindling revenue.
“As leaders, we are ready and prepared to make the necessary sacrifices and lead by example.”
It said recent happenings in the country, especially the renewed attacks by the Boko Haram in the North East, were sources of concern.
The statement said the Speaker expressed the hope that the country would surely overcome.
He described the resurgence of bombings of Churches and Mosques by insurgents as last kicks of a dying horse and that it would soon be a thing of the past.
It stated that Dogara commended President Muhammadu Buhari for the recent shake up in the military high command with the appointment of new service chiefs.
It said that the development had signaled the beginning of the end of insurgency in the country.
The statement also said that the Speaker promised that the National Assembly would continue to provide the much needed support
and funding for equipping the military and other security agencies.
It added that it would enable them to succeed in the fight against terrorism, armed robbery, kidnapping and other crimes.
“So long as Nigerians remain united, there is nothing that we cannot achieve as a people.
“I call on our country’s men and women to keep hope alive as happy times will be here again.”
Also, Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta urged Nigerians, especially Muslims, to use the Ed-el-Fitr celebration to sustain peace, unity and love among themselves.
The governor’s message is contained in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Aniagwu Ehiedu, made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Asaba on Thursday.
He urged Muslims in the state to adhere strictly to the teachings of Prophet Mohammad and to sustain the ideals of the month of Ramadan beyond the period.
“Islam is indeed a religion of peace and the true essence of the religion is to unite the entire mankind in love and harmony.
“We must all continue to pray and work hard toward building a peaceful, united and prosperous Nigeria.”
The statement called on Nigerians to support the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari in his determination to build a peaceful, united and virile nation.
It, however, urged Deltans at home and abroad to use the occasion to pray for peace and unity of the state to ensure smooth implementation of its “SMART” agenda.
It restated Okowa’s commitment to the actualisation of the policy of prosperity for all the people of the state. (NAN)
