Eid-el-Fitri: Jonathan harps on peace, unity

By BEN AGANDE
ABUJA— President Goodluck Jonathan again has emphasised the need for unity and peace for Nigeria to make progress, noting that “what we are passing through as a nation can be overcome with prayers”.

He spoke yesterday when the Vice President, Namadi Sambo, led a delegation of prominent Muslims resident in Abuja to pay him the traditional Sallah homage at his residence after prayers to mark the end of the Ramadan fasting and to celebrate El-Fitri.

According to the President, “we must unite, for us to progress, there must be peace”. He underscored his administration’s commitment to the implementation of the transformation agenda, adding that for this to be achieved, there must be peace and unity in the country.

He described the eid celebration as “a great day, it is a moment not just for muslims but all Nigerians to reflect on the unity of Nigeria”.

The President praised the Vice President and other government functionaries for their commitment to the transformation process and promised to build on the effort of founding fathers of the country to an enviable level.

“This is a forum to tell Nigerians that we are one” he emphasised.

Earlier in his remarks, Vice President Sambo thank Jonathan for all he was doing for Nigeria to move it forward, praying for good health and wisdom for you to transform Nigeria.

Sambo, others pledge support for Jonathan

Sambo recalled his visit to Saudi Arabia for Lesser Hajj, pointing out that Nigerians have been praying for the President, peace and stability of the country.

“We will continue to support you Mr President to deliver the transformation agenda. We assure you of our loyalty and we pray that this country will be transformed under your leadership,” he said.

Some of the personalities that accompanied the vice president were the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Bamanga Tukur, Senator Philip Aduda, who represented the Senate President, Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Bala Mohammed, Minister of Police Affairs, Caleb Olubolade, Minister of State for Finance, Yerima Ngama, Minister of State for FCT, Olajumoke Akinjide, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Bello Isa, Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Mohammed Dikko Umar and Inspector General of Police, Muhammed Abubakar.

Also in attendance were the former Speaker of House of Representatives, Ghali Na’Abba, former Minister of State Foreign Affairs, Salamatu Ibrahim and former PDP Chairman, Ahmadu Ali.