President Muhammadu Buhari, House of Representatives Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila, Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State, and numerous other eminent persons felicitating with the Muslim Ummah, Nigerians of all faiths and the followers of Islam worldwide on the occasion of the Maulud-Un-Nabiyy, the birthday of the Holy Prophet Muhammad.
In a message to mark the occasion which holds on Tuesday, 19th October, a public holiday throughout the Federation, President Buhari said, “I am delighted to send greetings of peace, unity and goodwill to the Muslim Ummah, fellow citizens and Muslims all over the world as they observe and celebrate Eid-ul- Maulud.”
While Gbajabiamila is urging Nigerian Muslims to remain united, steadfast and continue to live peacefully with their neighbours as they mark this year’s Eid-el-Maulud, Governor Wike is calling on the Moslem community in Rivers to use the celebration of the birth of Prophet Mohammed to advance the cause of religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
Wike said his administration will continue to promote religious tolerance amongst all residents of the state, and advised the Moslem faithful to imbibe the virtues of love, peace, patience, communal living and honesty which are qualities of Prophet Mohammed, in their daily lives.
While wishing the Moslem community a wonderful Eid-el-Maulud
The Speaker said the life and times of the Holy Prophet were worthy of emulation, hence the need for Nigerian Muslims to emulate him, pointing out that though Nigeria is facing some challenges at the moment, he noted that with prayers and unity of purpose, the country shall overcome them.
While expressing optimism that Nigeria and Nigerians will come out stronger, he urged all Nigerians to continue to be vigilant wherever they are as that would help in checkmating insecurity.
On his part, President Buhari is urging Muslims to strive for “forgiveness and closeness to the noble life and teachings of the Prophet (SAW) whose birthday is being marked on this blessed day. On this auspicious occasion, I wish you all the blessings of today.”
He used the occasion to give a snapshot of the increased activities the Armed Forces, Police Force, and intelligence agencies have embarked upon to effectively respond to the security challenges in the nation.
He said his administration fully expects and intends for these trends to continue and called on the media to address the tone, content, and standards of reporting into security and safety measures. Time has come to revise the prefixes “rising insecurity” with “declining insecurity.”
Adding, Buhari said increased cooperation and collaboration from the citizenry, coupled with reinvigorated, dynamic, and energized police, security and military leadership, is helping the administration to score more victories against terror, criminality, and economic sabotage.
”The reality of declining insecurity should replace the inaccurate narrative of rising insecurity in the country. While there is work to do, the men and women in uniform who are helping the nation to achieve this goal, desire our collective appreciation and encouragement to do even more. The whole country and its mass communications systems have a duty in this regard”, he said.
President Buhari concluded his message by appealing to road users to drive with care and avoid needless accidents.
