Senate Leaders Extend Eid el-Fitr Greetings, Emphasize Peace and Unity
Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele have extended warm felicitations to Muslims across Nigeria on the occasion of Eid el-Fitr. In their messages, they called for compassion, unity, and a renewed commitment to addressing the nation's insecurity through both military and non-military strategies. The leaders highlighted the importance of the festive period as a time for reflection and collective action.
Global Peace and Economic Concerns Raised
Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin, urged Muslims to sustain prayers for global peace during Eid el-Fitr celebrations. He warned that escalating geopolitical tensions, particularly involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, could further strain economies worldwide. Jibrin expressed concern that prolonged hostilities might deepen economic hardship, especially for developing countries like Nigeria, and called on world leaders to prioritize diplomacy and de-escalation efforts.
Statements from Senate Leaders
In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Eseme Eyiboh, Akpabio congratulated Muslims on the successful completion of Ramadan. He emphasized the values of sacrifice, generosity, and love for humanity, stating, "This joyous celebration reminds us of the profound values of compassion, forgiveness, and unity that Eid el-Fitr embodies." Akpabio urged the faithful to extend empathy and kindness towards the less privileged.
Bamidele, in a separate statement, noted that the conclusion of Ramadan should reinforce peaceful coexistence, especially amid recent security concerns such as bomb explosions in Maiduguri. He remarked, "At home, Eid el-Fitr presents a vivid template of peaceful co-existence. This season should make us better people in all facets of life."
Jibrin's Initiatives and Reflections
Jibrin, through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ismail Mudashir, described Eid el-Fitr as a moment for reflection, unity, and renewed commitment to compassion. He announced the disbursement of N157 million to constituents across the 13 local councils of Kano North, his senatorial district, to assist vulnerable residents during the festive period. Additionally, he noted the distribution of over 60,000 bags of assorted items across parts of Kano during Ramadan.
House of Representatives and NLC Messages
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, and Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, also felicitated with Muslim faithful in Nigeria and globally. They commended Muslims for their devotion and urged them to sustain the values of discipline, compassion, and unity imbibed during Ramadan.
Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, Joe Ajaero, in a Sallah message, expressed dismay over recent Maiduguri bombings and associated deaths. He described the increasing bloodletting as a stain on the nation's collective conscience, asserting, "There is no cause, political ambition, religious dogma or economic gain worth the shedding of a single drop of Nigerian blood." Ajaero called on leaders to use the sacred period for sincere soul-searching and to sheathe the swords causing pain and insecurity.
Call for National Harmony
The leaders collectively urged Nigerians to continue praying for peace, stability, and progress while promoting tolerance and harmonious coexistence. They emphasized that Eid el-Fitr serves as a reminder of the shared humanity and moral values essential for national development.
