Tinubu, CAN, governors preach tolerance at Sallah

As Muslim faithful celebrate the Eid-el-Adha today, President Bola Tinubu has appealed for tolerance and patience, noting that these were the essence of the season as demonstrated by Prophet Ibrahim.

The President in a message titled, ‘We must multiply out good deeds,’ said, “There is no greater sense of duty ever recorded in history outside the ennobling example of Prophet Ibrahim in offering his only son Ismail as a sacrifice to Allah.

“As we immerse ourselves in the joy of this moment and celebrate, let us remember those who may not be as fortunate like us.”

Tinubu said he was aware of the economic challenges and “simmering security challenges” weighing heavily on Nigerians at this time and affirmed that his administration was working to ease citizens’ burden and forge a better future.

“I want to assure you that they are not insurmountable. I am working day and night with my team, fleshing out solutions. We have started with the decisions taken so far to reform our economy and remove all impediments to growth,” Tinubu said.

Also, the Christian Association of Nigeria, in a statement on Tuesday by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, felicitated Muslims on the occasion of the Eid celebration, “urging our Muslim brothers and sisters to use this occasion to pray for the peace and prosperity of our dear country.”

CAN also called on all Nigerians to pray for our leaders and for God’s guidance and wisdom as they steer the affairs of our nation, expressing optimism that Nigeria can achieve its full potential if citizens put aside their differences and work together to build a stronger, more united, and more prosperous nation.

Also, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, joined a host of other prominent Nigerians to preach tolerance as the Muslim faithful across the globe celebrate Eid today.

Akpabio congratulated Tinubu as he celebrates the first Eid as President and pleaded with Nigerians to be patient with the President during these hard times.

Similarly, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, and his deputy, Benjamin Kalu, both congratulated Muslims, urging Nigerians to pray for the unity, peace, and progress of the country.

“It is also a time to pray for the success of our leaders as they move to tackle the challenges facing the country, counting on the prayers and support of the people,” the Speaker said.

In the same vein, Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, urged Nigerians to work together, irrespective of their ethno-religious inclinations, to ensure the country’s progress.

“We are in dire straits as a nation, but it is a period that demands that we work together in unison and join hands across ethno-religious inclinations for our collective progress,” Obaseki said.

The Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, said the feast symbolises faith and total reliance on God.

A former Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, also congratulated Muslims around the world, noting that the festival symbolised “the test of the faith of Prophet Ibrahim, and urged all Muslims to borrow some of the attributes of the man known as the father of faith.”

Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, advised the Muslim ummah to imbibe the virtues of love, selflessness, and sacrifice to mankind.

The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress in the 2023 elections in Oyo State, Senator Teslim Folarin, also noted that Eid-el-Adha was a festival of love, peace, togetherness, and sacrifice, adding that “the festive season presents an opportunity for us to reflect and pray for our nation.”

Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, in his Sallah message in Yola, acknowledged the profound spiritual significance of Eid, which he said is an important reminder to mankind of “selflessness, sacrifice, and unwavering faith in our lives.”

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, urged the Muslim faithful to pray “for Nigeria to overcome her challenges and for President Tinubu to succeed in the task of repositioning the country for the benefit of Nigerians.”

Also, Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, congratulated the Muslim Ummah and all Osun citizens on the occasion of the Eid celebration, extolling their exemplary good virtues.

“I urge all Muslims to continue to live in peace and harmony with their fellow brothers, while coexisting peacefully with people of other faiths,” Adeleke said.