President Goodluck Jonathan, on Saturday, called on all Nigerians to remain strong and resolute in the fight against insurgency and in the defence of the nation’s unity, as he felicitated with Muslims on the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations.
In a statement signed by the President himself, he congratulated Nigerians, especially Muslims on the successful completion of the Ramadan fast.
“I congratulate all of our countrymen and women who have successfully undertaken the purifying Ramadan fast.
“As we celebrate Eid-el-Fitri, it is my hope and prayer that Ramadan’s spiritual lessons and the Holy Prophet’s teachings of piety, love, justice, fairness, equity, peaceful co-existence with others, tolerance, honesty and dedication to duty will remain with us all for the benefit and greater glory of our dear nation.
The President asked Nigerians to allow the lessons of Ramadan to “positively influence our attitudes towards our fellow countrymen and women, irrespective of their religion or places of origin; and promote greater commitment to the peace, unity and stability of the nation.”
Jonathan said although the observance of the fasting was tainted in parts of the country with the continuing atrocities of extremists and terrorists, he would want everyone not give up on the nation’s unity.
Also, Senate President, David Mark has called for a collective action of all citizens in the fight against terrorism just as the Inspector-General of Police, Muhammed Abubakar, said policemen had been placed on red alert to protect lives and property during the Sallah celebrations.
Mark, in a goodwill message on Saturday signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Paul Mumeh, congratulated the Muslims for the successful completion of the Ramadan fasting. He added that prayer was what the nation needed most at this trying time.
Mark said, “The prevailing situation does not call for blame game but a collective action of all citizens against the terrorists. We should have confidence on our security operatives and encourage them to do more.
“The unfolding scenario clearly indicates that the terrorists have declared open war on every body and there seems to be no safe haven any more. This is a challenge we must unite to tackle. One way out of this quagmire is to have a common approach against terrorists irrespective of political, ethnic or religious affiliation.”
Similarly, the Governor of Kogi State, Capt. Idris Wada urged religious leaders in the country to emphasise the virtues of sacrificial living, peaceful and good neighbourliness as vehicles for rapid socio-economic development of Nigeria.
Wada in his Sallah message by his Special Adviser on Media and Strategy, Mr. Jacob Edi, on Saturday urged Nigerians to work and pray for the continuous integration and economic well-being of the country.
The Kogi governor called on the Muslim Ulama not to forget the demands of high moral standards and holiness which he noted are hallmarks of the Ramadan festival. He charged them to allow the lessons of Ramadan to define their lives even long after the festival might have been over.
Meanwhile, the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, has placed the officers and men of the Police on red alert as part of efforts to ensure hitch-free Sallah celebrations.
The IG had also ordered a deployment of personnel officers and other special operatives as well as “all necessary logistics to all nooks and crannies of the country” to thwart any threat.
Abubakar, in a directive issued to all Commands and Formations of the Force instructed Command Commissioners of Police and other field Commanders across the country to ensure that no stone was left unturned towards ensuring that adequate security was provided in their various areas of jurisdiction.
A statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, Frank Mba, in Abuja on Saturday, quoted the IG as asking his men to pay maximum attention to critical public places and other points prone to enemy attacks.
He said, “The IG further directs the Command Commissioners of Police to personally supervise the special security deployment and ensure a 24-hour surveillance of their respective area of operations.
“The IG, while congratulating the Muslim Umma, enjoins them and other citizens to maintain utmost vigilance and courageously continue to support the security agencies in their prayers and provide useful information towards preventing and unearthing crimes and their authors.” Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
Advertise on NigerianEye.com to reach thousands of our daily users
No comments
Post a Comment
Kindly drop a comment below.
(Comments are moderated. Clean comments will be approved immediately)
Advert Enquires - Reach out to us at NigerianEye@gmail.com