By Henry Umoru

FORMER President of the Senate, Senator Ahmad Lawan, APC,  Yobe North has called on Nigerians to pray for the success of the nation’s Armed and Security Forces as they combat insecurity across the country.

Lawan disclosed this in his Eid-el-Fitr message he personally signed to mark the successful end of the one-month Ramadan fast.

Lawan, who chairs the Senate Committee on Defence, charged Muslims to sustain the lessons learnt from the holy month; and continue to pray for peace, prosperity and unity of Nigeria.

The Ramadan fast is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and observed by Muslims around the world to strengthen their relationship with Allah (SWT).

The Sultan of Sokoto and President General, Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, declared Wednesday, April 10, 2024.

Lawan ‘s message read, “As the holy month of Ramadan ends, let us take a moment to reflect on the lessons, and blessings that came with it. The month of Ramadan has been a time of faith, self-discipline, reflection, and renewed spiritual disposition for us Muslims around the world. It has been a time to continue to build our faith, seek for Allah’s mercy and forgiveness, and a period to show compassion to those in need.

“As Muslims, we have fasted, prayed, and reflected on our actions during this sacred month. Let us sustain the lessons from the holy month of Ramadan – the spirit of giving, kindness, and gratitude – into our daily lives.

“To the Muslim Ummah, let us continue to pray for peace, prosperity, and unity in our beloved country.

“As we celebrate Eid el-Fitr and mark the end of Ramadan, let us remember to keep the spirit of Ramadan alive in our hearts and minds. Let us continue to pray for our armed and security forces to succeed over the numerous security challenges confronting our dear nation.

“May Allah (SWT) continue to guide us, protect us, and bless us with strength and perseverance in the face of challenges. May He grant us wisdom and understanding to work together towards building a peaceful and prosperous Nigeria.

“May Almighty Allah (SWT) accept our prayers, fasting, and good deeds during the blessed month. Eid Mubarak to all!”

Southern senators

Also Senators from the Southern part of the country under the aegis of the Southern Senators forum, SSF have called on all Nigerians to maintain peace and ensure peaceful co-existence as admonished in the holy Scriptures, saying that Nigeria at the moment is passing through a phase in history that requires  the cooperation  and understanding of all well-meaning citizens.

A statement signed by the Chairman,  Senator Mukhail Adetokunbo Abiru, APC, Lagos East and the Publicity Secretary,  Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, APC,  Cross River South respectively read, “Fellow compatriots. On behalf of the Nigerian Southern Senators’ Forum, we extend our warmest  greetings to all Nigerians particularly our Muslim brothers and sisters on the successful completion of Ramadan fast and the commemoration of  Eid-fitr.

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“The glorious month of Ramadan is significant to all Muslims as one of the important pillars of Islam and the Almighty Allah enjoins all Muslims to ask for his blessings during this period. We therefore enjoin all Muslims to seek the face of Almighty Allah on the many challenges facing our dear nation.

“The forum encourages all Nigerians to maintain peace and ensure peaceful co-existence as admonished in the holy Scriptures.Our dear nation is passing through a phase in history that requires  the cooperation  and understanding of all well-meaning citizens.

“The raft of reforms and policy decisions of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the proactiveness of the National Assembly, under the dynamic leadership of His Excellency, Senator (Dr.) Godswill Obot Akpabio, GCON, in championing laws that will ensure socio-economic stability, growth and development, are all geared towards restoring our dear nation on the path of progress.

“As it is typical of child-bearing, pain precedes the arrival of the bundle of joy. We identify with all Nigerians over the inevitable discomfort and pains being experienced as we navigate this period. We are appealing for more patience as the benefits and gains ahead far out-weigh the current pains we are all going through.

“As we mark this auspicious day, let us reaffirm our commitment to promoting peace, tolerance, and understanding in our diverse communities. Let us embrace the essence of Eid-Fitr by extending kindness to one another and standing together in solidarity against all forms of divisiveness.

“May this Sallah celebration bring abundant blessings, joy, and prosperity to us all. We wish all Nigerians a happy, peaceful and  joy-filled Sallah celebration!”

Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

On her part, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, PDP, Kogi Central  has sent her good wishes to the Muslim Ummah on the completion of the Ramadan fasting.

In her message, the Senator who  urged the Muslim faithful to incorporate the lessons learned during the holy month into their daily lives and live harmoniously while contributing to the development of Nigeria, emphasised that Ramadan teaches important virtues such as patience, fairness, charity, endurance, and patriotism, which should be practiced throughout the year.

She called on the Muslim community to use the occasion of Eid-el-Fitr to pray for the country.

Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua

Also, Chairman,  Senate  Committee on Army,  Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua,  APC,  Katsina Central in his Sallah greetings  to the Army said, “On behalf of the 10th Senate Committee on the Nigerian Army, I extend warm Eid greetings to the Chief of Army Staff, officers, and men of the Nigerian Army.

“As you to carry out your duties with unparalleled professionalism, unwavering enthusiasm, unyielding determination, and resolute commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of all Nigerians, your sacrifices and dedication to our nation do not go unnoticed, and we stand with you in solidarity and gratitude.

“Therefore, I implore Nigerians to fervently pray for and steadfastly support our Armed Force ⁰and all Security Agencies as they stand at the forefront in the battle against terrorism and insurgency. May their efforts be fortified by our collective prayers and unwavering support.

“May this Eid be a time of renewed strength and unity as we honor the sacrifices of our Armed Forces and reaffirm our resolve to secure a peaceful and prosperous Nigeria.”