Read Buhari’s letter to Nigerians on Eid el-Fitri

The Federal Government of Nigeria on Tuesday added an extra day Thursday a public holiday in addition to the earlier declared Tuesday and Wednesday.

Albeit the delay in the moon-sighting causing the Ramadan fast to continue, it isn’t forgotten that it is still a celebration and it must be acknowledged.

President Muhammadu Buhari issued a message to Nigerians on this day.

Read the message below.

I felicitate with all Nigerians, especially the Muslim Ummah, on the occasion of this year’s Eid El Fitr, which marks the completion of the Ramadan fast.

I congratulate Muslims in Nigeria and around the world on the successful completion of this month-long spiritual journey of fasting, prayer and almsgiving in obedience to the Divine Command.

I sincerely pray that the Almighty Allah will reward our sacrifices with increased blessing and a more prosperous future.

On this happy occasion, it is my strong belief that all true followers of Islam have been rejuvenated on the true meaning and essence of life and through the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), we have learnt to imbibe the virtues of piety, sacrifice, love, self-denial and good conduct in our daily relationship with one another.

As we celebrate another Eid El Fitr, I admonish all patriotic Nigerians to uphold these lessons and also appreciate the numerous material and human blessings God has endowed us with.

Let us learn to show gratitude, respect and tolerance to one other, irrespective of our religion, tribe, language and political leanings, as we forge ahead to build on our strengths and opportunities to make Nigeria great again.

On Monday this week, the Vice President, the Speaker of the House of Representatives and other government officials joined me to host Iftar reception at the State House with Nigerians of different backgrounds including Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), artisans and Physically-challenged persons.

Like I said during the reception, I want to once again appeal to those of us who have the means, to remember the millions of Nigerians who are suffering deprivation because of violence perpetrated by terrorists.

I am not unaware of what Nigerians are going through and I want to use this medium to commend the amazing sacrifices of Nigerians in the face of the temporary economic and social challenges and also reassure Nigerians that my administration is working assiduously towards providing basic needs and other amenities.

Let me also use this opportunity to reaffirm that we will not relent in the fight against corruption and we will ensure that all appropriate and legal measures are deplored to root out this malaise.

I commend the Armed Forces and security agencies for the gains recorded in the fight against terrorists and the rescue of hostages in the North East part of the country.

I also appeal for the support, understanding and patience of all Nigerians and our international partners as we explore the fastest means to end the economic sabotage in the Niger Delta and amicably resolve the conflicts within the region.

I promise you all better days ahead even as we remain grateful for your unflinching support to our administration.
Happy Eid El Fitr celebration and May the Almighty Allah continue to bless our nation.
Eid Mubarak!

Muhammadu Buhari
July 5, 2016