By Daniel Idonor, Inalegwu Shuaibu, Luka Binniyat, Olasunkanmi Akoni, Monsur Olowoopejo, Simon Ebegbulem, Austin Ogwuda, Jimitota Onoyume, Kolade Larewaju & Wole Mosadomi
ABUJA—PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan, Senate President, David Mark; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dimeji Bankole, and State governors, yesterday, urged Muslims in the country to pray for the country to enable her surmount challenges of the forthcoming 2011 general elections.

President Jonathan and the Senate president, also assured Nigerians of a free, fair and credible polls, while also asking the citizens to co-exist peacefully with one another.

President Goodluck Jonathan

The President, who congratulated Muslims for successfully concluding the 30 days Ramadan fast, urged all Nigerians to seize the opportunity of the Sallah celebrations to reflect on their spiritual life as individuals and on how they could contribute more meaningfully towards making Nigeria better.

President Jonathan who reaffirmed his desire to offer the country the leadership it required to successfully overcome present challenges and move forward at greater speed towards the fulfilment of its great potentials, said: “This administration has in the past four months taken notable steps to revitalise the machinery of governance at the federal level so as to achieve greater results in our drive to rapidly achieve significant improvements in the lives of all Nigerians.

“With your continued support and goodwill, we shall, in the coming months carry forward our plans to further stabilise all sectors of our economy, improve national infrastructure and power supply.

Following the recent announcement by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, of the timetable for the 2011 general elections, I would also like, on this occasion, to reaffirm that my Administration will give INEC all the support and assistance it will require to deliver free, fair and credible elections. May God Almighty reward your devout observance of the Holy Month of Ramadan with even greater blessings for you and our dear nation.”

Senate President, David Mark

On his part, Senate President, David Mark, assured of a free and credible election in 2011, saying government had put necessary structures in place to guarantee hitch-free polls.

Senator Mark also charged politicians to desist from politics of violence and confrontation, stressing that politicians should not to take winning in an election as a do or die affair.

The statement signed by Mark’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Paul Mumeh, also enjoined Muslim faithful not to relent in their prayers for the success of the elections, after thanking them on the successful completion of the Ramadan fast.

Part of the statement read: “There is need for all of us to be dedicated and committed more than ever before. Fifty years of nationhood is a milestone. No matter the challenges, we should be hopeful that we are capable of addressing our problems as a people bonded by a common heritage and mission.

“Nigeria has passed through a lot of political challenges in the past. We have come of age and I believe we can address our problems without recourse to external help. The challenges ahead of the 2011 polls should not be left in hands of government alone. All of us, all citizens are stakeholders in the project, Nigeria. It, therefore, behoves on all of us to make it work.”

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dimeji Bankole

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Dimeji Bankole, called for tolerance and peaceful co-existence among Nigerians, especially as the country prepared for another round of electioneering.

A statement signed by Bankole’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Idowu Bakare, said: “The ideals of service and good governance can only make meaning where those in positions of authority see themselves as leaders with responsibility to serve the people and not rulers.

“The holy month of Ramadan has provided opportunity for Nigerians, especially Muslim faithful, to rededicate themselves to the pursuit of what is just and right for the common good of Nigerians.

“The discipline and the sacrifices that the fasting period entailed should be channelled into other national endeavour. Unless and until we insist on what is right for the overall good of our people, our quest for good governance and its derivatives may remain elusive to us a nation.”

Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos

In his Eid-el Fitri Message, Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola said it was only by taking a more than passing interest in the political affairs of the nation that true and credible leaders could be enthroned by the electorate.

He explained that part of the practical steps that every citizen should take include ensuring that they were registered as voters and resist the temptation of being lured to engage in multiple registration.

Gov Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State

Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, charged the Muslim community to use the religion to join other Nigerians to build a credible electoral process that would produce responsible leaders.

The governor who congratulated the Muslim Ummah on the successful completion of the Ramadan fast enjoined them to sustain the spirit of godliness, charity, perseverance, and spiritual intercession for the nation.

Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State
Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, called on Nigerians to avoid acts capable of derailing the nation’s democracy, especially as the country approached the critical phase of general elections next year.

The governor said: “We should be patient, law abiding and avoid acts capable of engendering ill feelings among us. The Ramadan presents us an auspicious occasion to reflect on our individual lives, our ability to identify with the less privileged and the future of our dear State and country.

“Every sector, every issue cannot be dealt with at once, but we remain committed to bringing development to every part of the State.”

Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State

Governor Rotimi Amechi thanked Muslims in the state for the support and understanding they have been showing his administration.

He urged them to use the occasion of the Eid-el-Fitri celebration to pray for the peace, unity and progress of the nation, as well as for the success of the 2011 general elections. The governor who commended Muslims in the state for living harmoniously with their Christian brothers enjoined them to sustain the cordial relationship, noting that the state government would continue to encourage religious tolerance.

Governor Gbenga Daniel of Ogun State

Governor Gbenga Daniel of Ogun State asked Muslims to carry the devotion and piety displayed during the just concluded month of Ramadan into their daily dealings and interaction with their countrymen.

In the Eid-el-Fitri message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Adegbenro Adebanjo, the governor urged them to continue in the spirit of love for fellow citizens, devotion to the cause of Allah and prayer for their country which were very apparent in the course of the 30 day fasting.

He said: “I pray that the Almighty Allah should accept the fasting and other activities of the Muslim Ummah during the Ramadan period as an act of worship and reward them accordingly. I implore all our Muslim brothers and sisters to extend the goodwill of the period to all especially the less privileged.”

Governor Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu of Niger State

Niger State Governor, Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, also called on Nigerians to see the 2011 general elections as a defining moment for the country, saying the entire world looked to Nigeria proving its worth on the African continent and the black race.

In his Sallah message, the governor said: “The upcoming elections lie squarely with our individual attitudes, behaviour and discipline towards the polls and we must, therefore, be determined to make the elections credible and acceptable, now and forever.”

Dr. Aliyu specially called on people of the state to embrace peace and religious harmony, remain vigilant and report suspicious to the nearest security agencies as a way of ensuring security of lives and property across the state.

Governor Bukola Saraki of Kwara State

Governor Bukola Saraki of Kwara State charged Muslim faithful in the country to allow the lessons of Ramadan reflect in their lives, so that the 30 days fasting would not be a waste.

He also enjoined Nigerians to demonstrate absolute faith in Allah and believe in His capacity to make the country achieve greatness as the giant of Africa.

Dr. Saraki, who gave the charge in his Eid-el-fitr sallah message said Nigeria would be a better place to live and even compete favourably with world powers in economic growth and development, if Nigerians adhere to the lessons of Ramadan imbibed during the fasting period.

He said: “As faithful Muslims, we have all devoted the 30 days to worshipping Allah, with piety, perseverance and kindness to our neighbours beside avoiding other sinful acts.

It is only logical to sustain this even after the Ramadan fast and ensure that we do not go back to our ugly past and other acts which we abandoned during the period.”