By Azubuike Okeh/ By Polycarp Auta/ Victor Adeoti/ Aminu Ahmed Garko
Abuja – Nigerian leaders have felicitated with Moslems and urged them to pray for sustained peace in the country as they mark Eid-el Kabir.
Gov. Nyesom Wike of Rivers urged Muslims to imbibe the spirit of love and sacrifice as preached by the holy Prophet, Mohammed.
Wike also urged Muslims to use the festive period to pray for sustained unity and peace in Nigeria.
He advised Nigerians of all religions to be tolerant with the religious beliefs of others and support acts that would trigger sustainable development.
“The unity and peace of this nation should form a major prayer point this period; we need to all play-up the things that bind us as a nation.
“Our Muslim brothers and sisters should use the festival to pray for better days for the country and the citizenry,’’ Wike stated.
He said that his administration would remain steadfast in tackling security challenges.
In Plateau, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly, Yusuf Gagdi, has donated food items worth three million naira to the less privilege in his constituency.
Gadi, who presented the items in Kanama on Monday, said the gesture was to make the poor in his constituency have something to celebrate the festival.
The items included 120 bags of rice, 105 rams and cartons of beverages.
He said the items were distributed across board, devoid of political inclinations.
“This is not period of politicking and what I am doing for my people today is far from politics; it’s an act of worship.
“I am rendering this gesture for humanity because Eid-el kabir emphasis more on sharing with the have not.
“This is not a party affair, therefore, once you are from my constituency, you can benefit from this gesture.
Meanwhile, the Osun House of Assembly has urged Muslim faithful to use the Eid-el Kabir and pray to God for the total turnaround of the nation’s economy.
This is contained in a Sallah statement signed by Mr Bosun Oyintiloye, House Committee Chairman on Information and Strategy, in Osogbo on Moday.
Oyintiloye said that government at this period needed the support and prayers of all Nigerians for it to overcome the current harsh economic situation Nigeria was going through.
According to him, great individuals and nations have stories of bumpy roads in their journey to greatness.
He said that the resilient and indomitable spirit of Nigerians, and sacrifice by all, would pave the way for possibilities.
The lawmaker said that “it is understandable that the economic situation in the country has taken tolls on virtually every Nigerian.’’
He commended Nigerians for their perseverance and patience in the face of economic crunch, adding that more patience and sacrifice were required by all.
It urged Muslims to exhibit highest ideal of kindness, generosity and love, especially to the underprivileged as they celebrate the Eid-el Kabir.
In Sokoto, Sen Aliyu Wamakko, (APC Sokoto-Central has called on Nigerians to be patience and support President Buhari administration.
Wamakko spoke shortly after the two Rakat prayers at Wamakko town the headquarters of Wamakko Local Government Area.
He expressed confidence that the administration would meet the desire objectives of Nigerians with its laudable policies already in place.
He said that the tasks ahead were for Nigerians to be prayerful, support and leave in peace with one another for smooth policies implementation.
He also advised the Federal Government to ensure that Nigerians with the necessary intellectual discipline were engaged in the implementation of its policies and programmes.
He appealed to Nigerians to support the present administration in its efforts to address the challenges confronting the country, adding that complaints and criticism would only compound the problems.
“Everybody irrespective of political differences should support this administration to succeed and stop complaining because we are in a critical situation” he said.
He said that it was only by so doing that the change mantra will be a reality for peace, progress and political stability in the country.
He also called on Nigerians to support the efforts of security agencies by coming out with vital information that could assist in providing peaceful environment for socioeconomic and political growth.