ATIKU CELEBRATES EID-EL-KABIR WITH MUSLIMS

The presidential candidate of PDP Alhaji Atiku Abubakar rejoices with Muslim faithfuls across the globe, especially the Muslims in Nigeria from his Twitter handles with the following statements:

I congratulate Muslims in Nigeria and across the world on the occasion of the Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

As we celebrate, I wish to remind that the essence of the celebration of the Eid-el-Kabir is about sacrifice, love, and hope for peaceful coexistence in our dear country and the world at large.

The purpose of the celebration has a bold reflection on Nigeria. Our country is broken, and insecurity has become a daily menace staring all our compatriots in the face.

The hardships in the land and the harrowing experiences that people go through to survive, and the pervasive lack of unity amongst Nigerians, are the reasons why we must do a sober reflection on the State of our Nation as we mark this year’s Sallah.

Therefore, selfless sacrifice and communal love, as exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim and his son, Ishmael, should guide us as we submit ourselves and needs to the Will of Allah.

If we emulate the righteousness and great virtues of the Holy Prophet, mankind shall no doubt receive the reward of Allah’s love and mercy.

Meanwhile, the privileged and wealthy ones amongst us need to intensify their acts of charity to the less privileged. There’s love in sharing.

Let’s work in concert to purposefully lessen the hardship facing our brothers and sisters. Let’s love our neighbours as ourselves.

I also wish to task the government at all levels to play its Constitutional role by being upright and dutiful and prioritise the needs of the people they have taken an oath to serve. The unity, security and development of our country is sacrosanct.

The expression of love and sacrifice symbolised by the Eid-el-Kabir celebration has a strong effect in the relationship between the government and the governed. It is incumbent on the government to optimally discharge its responsibilities to the people.

It is only when this is done that there can be love between the government and the governed.

Love is a pre-condition for God’s mercies and blessings, and truth must guide all relationships, especially between the government and the people.

As stakeholders, the citizens too, should take a lesson from the celebration of Eid-el-Kabir by being up and doing in their civic responsibilities.

As we inch towards the deadline on the ongoing voter registration exercise, the people must ensure that they play their roles by not just getting their Permanent Voters Card (PVC) but casting their votes for the best candidates in the election next year.

Above all, I pray for peace during and after the Eid celebration even as I task Nigerians to work even harder to ensure the unity of all peoples, tribes and faiths in the country.

-Atiku Abubakar