President Goodluck Jonathan has sent a goodwill message to Nigeria’s Muslim faithful as they celebrate the Eid-el-Kabir yesterday.
He congratulated all Nigerians who successfully performed the hajj this year in fulfilment of a key injunction of their faith.
The president urged Nigerians to imbibe the lessons of commitment, dedication and obedience to higher authority inherent in Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son “in deference to the will of God which Eid-el-Kabir commemorates”.
In a statement issued by his spokesman, Mr. Ima Niboro, Jonathan said: “Nigeria will make quicker progress towards the fulfilment of its great potentials as a nation if its citizens foster peace, security and stability which are essential for development by showing greater respect for national safety and public order laws.”
He also restated his commitment to ensuring the sanctity of the ballot in next year’s general election.
Senate President David Mark urged Muslims to pray fervently for the nation ahead of next year's general election, saying: “We must put Nigeria first in all our endeavours.”
In his message, Mark said prayer is the needed tonic the nation requires at this crucial time.
He reminded Muslims to always be guided by the attributes and lessons from the life and times of Holy Prophet Mohammed which symbolizes piety, peace, love, tolerance and good neighbourliness.
The Senate president counselled politicians to eschew campaign of calumny, mudslinging or character assassination of opponents.
“What should be paramount to all aspirants is how to sell their programme and convince the electorate about them and not mudslinging,” Mark said, adding: “I think we have passed this level of campaigning based on mundane issues."
He said: “We should be concerned about our people. We must break away from the past and join the global trend of technological advancement.”
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