Eid al-Adha : President Buhari urges Nigerians to live in harmony

President Muhammadu Buhari has urged Nigerians to see one another as brothers and sisters from the same heritage.

The President, in his In Eid-il-Kabir message, congratulated those who are currently in Saudi Arabia to participate in the Hajj rites, and again thanked Nigerians who prayed for his recovery, for their love and support .

He said : Fellow Compatriots,

I felicitate with you all, particularly the Muslimfaithful, on the celebration of this year’s Eid-El-Kabir.

I congratulate our Muslim brothers and sisters who are currentlyin Saudi Arabia to participate in the rites of the Hajj.

From the outset, I want to use this opportunity to thank allNigerians who prayed for my recovery and have continued to extendtheir goodwill and support after my return to the country.

Indeed your fervent and sincere prayers, which cut across religion, political and ethnic divides, has energised me to re-dedicate myself and this administration to the task of building a great Nigeria.

On the joyous occasion of this year’s Eid-El-Kabir celebration,I appeal to all Nigerians to rise against the odds, keep our prejudices asideand strengthen the bonds of friendship and unity to keep our country together.

For Muslims all over the world, this celebration is to commemorate thetrials and triumph of Prophet (Abraham) Ibrahim.

As we celebrate, I sincerely believe that our nation can make rapid progress on all fronts if we re-enact the exemplary virtues, typified by Prophet (Abraham) Ibrahim, through his sacrifice, patience, steadfastness,generosity and obedience to Allah’s command and constituted authority.

We must learn to see ourselves as brothers and sisters from the same heritage, who must come to terms with the African proverb that‘‘a family tie is like a tree, it can bend but it cannot break.’’

Once again, I assure you that this administration, which has made the security, economic well-being and prosperity of all Nigerians its priority,will not rest on its oars until we see the Nigeria of our dream.

I wish everyone happy Sallah celebrations.