Sallah: CAN, governors, others want Nigerians to be patient with Buhari administration

Nigerian leaders have called for more understanding with the current administration in its efforts to address the challenges of the nation’s declining economy.

In different Sallah messages, leaders at various levels urged greater faith in the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration of the All Progressives Congress amidst the economic hardship.

In his message made available to journalists in Abuja on Sunday, President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Samson Ayokunle, urged Muslims and Nigerians in general to trust God to provide for the country.

“Though we are in a trying time economically in Nigeria, you must all have the trust that the same God that provided a ram for Abraham in the barren desert is going to provide for you and meet all your needs, not only in the time of this celebration but beyond.

“If you cannot afford to celebrate with what you desire this year, trust God that next year would be better. Let us seize this opportunity to pray for peace, unity and progress of our Fatherland, President Buhari and the government of the day to be able to lead us to better days ahead,” he said.

Similarly, Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, said the current hardship requires greater faith, more tolerance and patriotism from Nigerians.

“Let us implore the almighty God to restore to us those values that place high premium on human life, love of neighbour and sharing.

“This period requires more patience, fortitude, tolerance, endurance, patriotism and a greater willingness to make personal sacrifices for the good of all.

“The President Muhammadu Buhari administration remains committed to lead the nation in overcoming its current economic and developmental challenges. As we celebrate this auspicious occasion, let us renew our faith in our nation,” he said.

The Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, enjoined Nigerians to be positive-minded and make sacrifices of prayer and peaceful coexistence for the development of the nation.

“Every leader is anointed by Allah; therefore, we must continue to pray for our nation and our leaders.

“A world of peace is inestimable. Peace is the father of development. As we seek development, we must preach peace among religions and ethnicities. Muslims must be seen at the forefront of promoting peace in the country,” Mr. Bello said.

His Nasarawa State counterpart, Umaru Almakura, said Muslims should use the Sallah period to reflect more on the virtues of tolerance and good neighbourliness.

Mr. Almakura said the Muslim leader, Prophet Mohammed, was a man of great piety, love and peace.

He therefore enjoined Muslims to imbibe the examples of the great Muslim leader.

Also, a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Tunde Braimoh, said the Eid-el-Kabir celebration is a reminder of faith, loyalty and sacrifice.

He called for greater faith in the nation’s leadership and urged leaders in turn to try fulfilling their promises to the people.

“Eid-el-Kabir is a reminder of faith, confidence and loyalty. As Nigerians, we must strive to believe in our leaders while the leaders must in reciprocity keep their words to the people.

“This is the bond and synergy that may engender the desired growth, development peace and security. Let’s pray for divine intuition, speed and enablement for the leadership as it struggles to realign and redress the fortunes of Nigeria from the malfeasance and misrule of the past,” he said.