Nigerian leaders have congratulated the Muslim faithful on the successful completion of the 1443AH Ramadan fast, praying that Almighty Allah accepts it as an act of worship.
The conclusion of the Ramadan fast heralds the Eid-el-Fitr celebration which has been marked across states in the country and beyond.
In separate releases, President Muhammadu Buhari, Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Sheikh Prof. Isa Ali Pantami extended felicitations to the Muslim Ummah.
Buhari said there is cause to welcome the ‘eid in hope as the battle waged against terrorists who falsely masquerade under the name of Islam is approaching its conclusion.
“As the Holy month of Ramadan reaches its end and Muslims mark the ‘Eid, President Muhammadu Buhari sends his best wishes to Muslims in Nigeria and across the world celebrating the occasion,” presidential spokesman, Garba Shehu noted in a release.
He further quoted President Buhari as saying: “After a period of fasting and reflection, this year, we have cause to welcome the occasion in hope. The battle waged against terrorists who falsely masquerade under the name of Islam is approaching its conclusion.
“The fight has been long and hard. Final victory is within sight. Boko Haram and its offshoots’ final embers are now fading.
“Last month, the leader of ISWAP was killed in an airstrike. Since the New Year, thousands of fighters have surrendered to enter rehabilitation programmes. The territories they used to occupy are now seeing the return of those who were forced to flee their barbarity. Normality is finally beginning to return to the northeast. It is a long process. Yet, it is one we are, together, now embarking upon.”
For his part, Governor AbdulRazaq described the days and nights of Ramadan as ones like no other during which the (Muslim) faithful proudly competed to outdo one another in good deeds.
“I congratulate our Muslim brethren, and especially the leader of the faithful in Kwara State, the Emir of Ilorin Dr. Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari. It is my prayer to Almighty Allah to accept it as a worthy act of worship, accept all our supplications in and after Ramadan, set our country on the path of improved security and greatness, grant us the grace to observe many more of Ramadan in good health and best of faith, and reward us with Al-Jannah Firdaus,” the Kwara Governor said in a statement issued on Sunday by his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye.
“I also commend everyone, including the political class, to carry on the message and spirit of Ramadan even after its completion. Ultimately, power belongs to God and He gives whomsoever He so wishes.”
Minister Pantami specially released a broadcast message posted on his Facebook page where he rejoiced with the Muslim Ummah.
He said, “This is my greetings to our Muslim brothers and sisters all over the world. I pray to Allah to accept our good deeds and forgive our shortcomings and limitations. May He (SWT) make us among the major beneficiaries of the prestigious month of Ramadan.”
