Abuja As Muslim faithful all over the world celebrate the feast of Eid el-Kabir, President Muhammadu Buhari has appealed to Nigerians to keep aside their prejudices and strengthen the bonds of friendship and unity in order to keep the country united.
Th e President in the Sallah message he signed by himself felicitated with Nigerians, particularly the Muslim faithful, on the celebration of this year’s Eid el-Kabir and he also congratulated Muslim brothers and sisters who are currently in Saudi Arabia to participate in the rites of the Hajj.
He said: “From the outset, I want to use this opportunity to thank all Nigerians who prayed for my recovery and have continued to extend their goodwill and support after my return to the country.
“Indeed your fervent and sincere prayers, which cut across religion, political and ethnic divides, has energised me to re-dedicate myself and this administration to the task of building a great Nigeria.
“On the joyous occasion of this year’s Eid el-Kabir celebration, I appeal to all Nigerians to rise against the odds, keep our prejudices aside and strengthen the bonds of friendship and unity to keep our country together.
“For Muslims all over the world, this celebration is to commemorate the trials and triumph of Prophet (Abraham) Ibrahim.
“As we celebrate, I sincerely believe that our nation can make rapid progress on all fronts if we re-enact the exemplary virtues, typifi ed by Prophet (Abraham) Ibrahim, through his sacrifi ce, patience, steadfastness, generosity and obedience to Allah’s command and constituted authority.
Continuing, he said: “We must learn to see ourselves as brothers and sisters from the same heritage, who must come to terms with the African proverb that ‘a family tie is like a tree, it can bend, but it cannot break.
” President Buhari assured that his administration, which he said had made the security, economic well-being and prosperity of all Nigerians its priority, would not rest on its oars until the dreams of the founding fathers were realised.
