Sallah: Tinubu, Akpabio, govs preach unity, sacrifice

President Bola Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and several state governors have called on Nigerians to embrace unity, sacrifice and renewed commitment to national development as Muslims across the country celebrate Eid-el-Kabir.

In separate Sallah messages, the political leaders urged citizens to use the festive period to pray for peace, support the country’s ongoing reforms, and extend care to the less privileged, stressing that the values of sacrifice and compassion remain critical to overcoming Nigeria’s current challenges.

The President, in his Eid-el-Kabir message to Muslim faithful in Nigeria and across the world, linked the sacrifice which is at the heart of Sallah and the economic hardships Nigerians have endured under his administration’s reform programme.

He said the sacrifices of the past three years had yielded a more stable economy, adding that the country is now positioned as a preferred investment destination.

“Just as sacrifice brings reward, I am happy that the sacrifices and efforts we have made over the past three years have yielded a more stable economy, making our country a preferred investment destination that will drive job creation and economic growth.

“The walk through the dark tunnel is over, and the light is here,” Tinubu stated.

He said he remained confident that the reforms would continue to yield improved security and greater opportunities.

On security, Tinubu acknowledged that insecurity persists in parts of the country even after significant operational successes, including the recent joint Nigeria-US elimination of the ISIS senior leader Abu-Bilal al-Manuki in the Lake Chad Basin.

“I am aware that, despite the best efforts of our security and intelligence agencies, including the recent elimination of a wanted ISIS leader, heartless terrorists and bandits still attack some communities.

“I assure you: you are neither abandoned nor forgotten. We will ultimately defeat all the forces of evil,” the President said.

He also used the message to call on religious and community leaders to pray for peace and for the country’s leadership, and to extend charity to the less privileged during the celebration.

“To our Muslim faithful, I urge you to use this sacred occasion to pray for our country, for peace in our communities, and for wisdom for those in leadership.

“Let us pray that those who commit crimes among us may rethink and abandon their evil ways, or face the full weight of the law,” he said.

Akpabio, and Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, called on Nigerians to support Tinubu and pray for peace, unity and national stability.

Akpabio, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Eseme Eyiboh, congratulated Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima and Muslim faithful on the occasion of the Islamic festival.

“This sacred occasion reminds us of Prophet Ibrahim’s unwavering faith, obedience, and willingness to sacrifice for the sake of Almighty Allah.

“These timeless virtues of devotion, selflessness and submission to divine will are values our nation desperately needs today.

“May the lessons of sacrifice, compassion, and generosity that define this season strengthen your faith and bring peace to your homes,” the statement read.

The Senate President urged Nigerians to use the period for sober reflection and fervent prayers for the country, particularly for troops battling insecurity and farmers affected by violence.

Akpabio also appealed to citizens to remain patient and hopeful, stressing that the sacrifices being made under the current administration would ultimately yield positive results.

Similarly, Barau, who also serves as First Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, urged Nigerians to continue supporting Tinubu’s administration, saying the President remained committed to addressing the country’s challenges.

In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ismail Mudashir, the Deputy Senate President called on Muslims to embrace the values of sacrifice, charity, justice and tolerance.

He also urged Nigerians to remember the poor and vulnerable during the Sallah celebration and to pray for peace, stability and prosperity in the country.

“With sustained efforts and the support of all Nigerians, we are confident that the nation will achieve greater stability and prosperity,” he said.

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, congratulated Muslims in Lagos and across Nigeria and urged them to uphold the values of sacrifice, peace, and unity.

In a statement released on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, the governor said the festival should serve as a reminder of the importance of faith, patience, and communal harmony.

“This symbolic Islamic festival is a reminder to us that there will always be great rewards when we have abiding faith and patience in trying periods, with persistence in prayers, and tenacity in our belief,” he said.

The governor also urged residents to embrace the lessons of sacrifice beyond religious observance, stressing its importance for national development.

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, described the feast as a season that calls on everyone, irrespective of faith, to have a deep reflection on the values of sacrifice, compassion, generosity, and unity.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Onwuka Nzeshi, he expressed gratitude to the Muslim community for its contributions to the peace, economic growth, and social harmony of Rivers State.

“As you gather with family, friends, and neighbours to share meals and offer prayers, I urge you to extend hands of kindness to the less privileged in our midst. Let the spirit of sacrifice that defines this festival inspire us to give more, forgive more, and love more.

“On this sacred occasion, I pray that Almighty Allah accepts your sacrifices, forgives your shortcomings, and grants you and your families peace, good health, and abundant blessings,” he said.

Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, while felicitating Muslims in Delta State and across Nigeria, urged them to offer special prayers for peace, unity, and the development of the nation.

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, the governor called on Muslim faithful to embrace the spirit of sacrifice, compassion, and selflessness which the Eid-el-Kabir celebration symbolises.

He also urged Nigerians to remain committed to serving humanity by sacrificing their time and resources in devotion to Allah and in support of one another, especially during challenging times.

The governor expressed optimism that with unity, prayers, and collective commitment to nation-building, Nigeria would continue to make progress in peace, security, and sustainable development.

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, called for the peace and progress of the state and the country at large.