Leaders, including President Muhammadu Buhari, Senate President Ahmad Lawan, and House of Representatives Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila, emphasized peace and tolerance in their Eid-el-Fitri remarks yesterday.
Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the incoming president, Senator Remi Tinubu, Deputy Speaker Ahmed Idris Wase, former Senate President Bukola Saraki, and a few state governors were also present.
In his address, Buhari discussed the general election, the result of which he called the biggest achievement of his government.
He claimed it was a remarkable choice on his part to let the elections proceed unhindered.
The message of the fasting season, which highlighted the daily plight of the less fortunate in society, was pressed upon Nigerians by the President.
The statement was issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, to mark the end of the Ramadan fast.
He said the peaceful outcome of the 2023 general elections will go down on record as one of the proudest achievements of my administration in addition to our neutrality in the conduct of the elections.”
In his goodwill message, President Buhari explained that “the outcomes of the elections were in line with my pledge to leave a legacy of free and fair elections.
”I’m proud that I have created a level playing field for all contestants regardless of party affiliation in order to produce a fair outcome for all.
“Free and fair elections are the only principles that give credibility to our democracy because the subversion of the will of the people undermines democracy itself.
“The elections were so transparent that even members of my own party were routed and unseated. At no point did I interfere with the process in order to give an unfair advantage to anyone.”
On the Ramadan fast, the President congratulated Muslims on its successful completion, demanding spiritual obligation.
Praying to Allah to reward them for their sacrifices, he said: “We shouldn’t forget the important lessons of Ramadan which include improving our bond with the underprivileged and poor members of society.”
According to him, “abstention from food and drinks during the fasting period had made it possible for us to appreciate the situation of those who go without eating every day.”
Lawan, in a statement by his Special Adviser (Media), Ola Awoniyi, urged Muslims not to cease praying for wisdom for Nigeria’s leaders and for security, prosperity, and a peaceful transition for the country.
Gbajabiamila and Wase, who advised the Muslim Ummah to imbibe the lessons of Ramadan, enjoined other Nigerians to pray for the incoming government.
All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairman in Lagos, Cornelius Ojelabi; Senator representing Lagos East, Adetokunbo Abiru, among others also felicitated with Muslim faithful
Their separate messages centered on the need for Muslims to imbibe the virtues of Ramadan, love, peace, and patriotism.
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) felicitated Muslims and enjoined Nigerians to reflect on the significance of the season.
The council called on Nigerians to continue to pray for a successful transition to the next administration.
These were contained in a statement by the Director of Information in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), Willie Bassey.
Sultan declares Eid-el-Fitr Day
SULTAN of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III yesterday declared today as the first day of Shawwal 1444 After Hijrah, as Eid-el-fitr Day.
The Sultan made the declaration in a special statement to the Muslim Ummah at his palace in Sokoto shortly after authenticating the reports of various moon sighting committees at state and national levels.
He said the national moon sighting committee received reports from the committees and organizations across the county confirming the sighting of the new moon of Shawwal.
“Therefore, Friday, 21st of April 2023 is the 1st Day of the month of Shawwal 1444 AH”, the monarch said.
He urged adherents of the Islamic faith to continue to pray for peace, Progress, and development of the country while wishing them Allah’s guidance and blessings.
The Sultan, however, urged Nigerians to continue to leave in peace and harmony irrespective of religious or political differences, wishing Muslims “Happy Eid-el-Fitr”.
IGP orders stop and search, NSCDC deploys 52,000 operatives
Inspector–General of Police (IGP) Usman Alkali has charged Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs), Commissioners of Police, and Tactical Commanders to beef up security across the country.
Alkali asked the officers to engage in critical assessment of threat-prone areas, thorough stop and search, and raids on black spots.
He also charged them to adopt other anti-crime strategies capable of sustaining peace and public safety during the Ramadan celebration.
The IGP, in a statement yesterday by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, congratulated the entire Muslim ummah on the forthcoming Eid-el-Fitr celebrations.
He has also assured of continued efforts aimed at decimating crimes and improving public safety.
The statement partly reads: “The IGP has directed that supervisory AIGs and their respective CPs should ensure adequate deployment of officers and assets to critical locations most especially Eid Prayer Grounds and recreation centers to build confidence amongst the citizens and fun seekers.
The Police Boss also charged officers and men of the Police Force to engage in critical assessment of threat-prone areas, thorough stop, and search, raids on black spots, and other anti-crime strategies capable of sustaining peace and public safety in Nigeria.
“The IGP however warned that personnel deployed must be professional and mindful of the fundamental rights of the citizens while discharging their responsibilities with all sense of decorum and alertness. “
NSCDC deploys 52,000 personnel
Meanwhile, 52, 000 personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have been deployed to provide security during the celebration.
They are to keep a vigil on critical national infrastructures and ensure peace and orderliness across all states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
