President Goodluck Jonathan, in a statement released on Saturday, has asked all Nigerians to remain strong and resolute in the fight against insurgency and in the defence of the nation’s unity.
In the statement signed by the President himself, he congratulated Nigerians, especially Muslims on the successful completion of the Ramadan fast.
“I congratulate all of our countrymen and women who have successfully undertaken the purifying Ramadan fast.
“As we celebrate Eid-el-Fitri, it is my hope and prayer that Ramadan’s spiritual lessons and the Holy Prophet’s teachings of piety, love, justice, fairness, equity, peaceful co-existence with others, tolerance, honesty and dedication to duty will remain with us all for the benefit and greater glory of our dear nation.
The President asked Nigerians to allow the lessons of Ramadan to “positively influence our attitudes towards our fellow countrymen and women, irrespective of their religion or places of origin; and promote greater commitment to the peace, unity and stability of the nation.”
Jonathan said although the observance of the fasting was tainted in parts of the country with the continuing atrocities of extremists and terrorists, he would want everyone not give up on the nation’s unity.