I felicitate with all Nigerians, especially the Muslim
Ummah, on the occasion of this year’s Eid El Fitr,
which marks the completion of the Ramadan fast. I
congratulate Muslims in Nigeria and around the
world on the successful completion of this month-
long spiritual journey of fasting, prayer and
almsgiving in obedience to the Divine Command.
I sincerely pray that the Almighty Allah will reward
our sacrifices with increased blessing and a more
prosperous future. On this happy occasion, it is my
strong belief that all true followers of Islam have
been rejuvenated on
the true meaning and essence of life and through
the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), we
have learnt to imbibe the virtues of piety, sacrifice,
love, self-denial and good conduct in our daily
relationship with one another. As we celebrate
another Eid El Fitr, I admonish all
patriotic Nigerians to uphold these lessons and also
appreciate the numerous material and human
blessings God has endowed us with. Let us learn to
show gratitude, respect and
tolerance to one other, irrespective of our religion,
tribe, language and political leanings, as we forge
ahead to build on our strengths and opportunities to
make Nigeria great again. On Monday this week, the
Vice President, the
Speaker of the House of Representatives
and other government officials joined me to host
Iftar reception at the State House with Nigerians of
different backgrounds including Internally Displaced
Persons (IDPs), artisans and Physically-challenged
persons. Like I said during the reception, I want to
once
again appeal to those of us who have the means, to
remember the millions of Nigerians who are
suffering deprivation because of violence
perpetrated by terrorists. I am not unaware of what
Nigerians are going
through and I want to use this medium to commend
the amazing sacrifices of Nigerians in the face of
the temporary economic and social challenges and
also reassure Nigerians that my administration is
working assiduously towards providing basic needs
and other amenities. Let me also use this opportunity
to reaffirm that we
will not relent in the fight against corruption and we
will ensure that all appropriate and legal measures
are deplored to root out this malaise. I commend the
Armed Forces and security
agencies for the gains recorded in the fight against
terrorists and the rescue of hostages in the North
East part of the country. I also appeal for the
support, understanding and
patience of all Nigerians and our international
partners as we explore the fastest means to end
the economic sabotage in the Niger Delta and
amicably resolve the conflicts within the region. I
promise you all better days ahead even as we
remain grateful for your unflinching support to our
administration.
Happy Eid El Fitr celebration and May the Almighty
Allah continue to bless our nation. Eid Mubarak!
Muhammadu Buhari (July 5, 2016)
