Eid-el-Fitr: Leaders Call for Unity While Police Bolster Nationwide Security

Prominent Nigerians, including the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, state governors, political leaders, and traditional rulers, have called for unity, peace, and sustained prayers for national development as Muslims celebrate Eid-el-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan.

The Sa’ad Abubakar, Sultan of Sokoto, declared Friday as the day for Eid celebrations and the beginning of a new Islamic month, paving the way for Muslims across Nigeria and around the world to gather at prayer grounds in celebration.

In his Sallah message, Abbas congratulated Muslims on successfully completing the fasting period, expressing hope that their prayers and sacrifices would bring about a brighter future for the country. He emphasised the importance of divine intervention in sustaining unity and stability, noting that the coinciding observance of Lent by Christians reflects a shared spiritual moment for national reflection and devotion.

He urged Nigerians to uphold the values of piety, charity, and selflessness cultivated during Ramadan, stressing the need for continuous prayers for national progress.

Similarly, Muhammadu Yahaya of Gombe State encouraged citizens to sustain the spirit of devotion, sacrifice, and supplication demonstrated during the holy month. He described Eid-el-Fitr as a period for reflection and urged Muslims to translate the lessons of Ramadan into their daily lives.

In Ogun State, Governor Dapo Abiodun highlighted Ramadan as a time of discipline, compassion, and renewed commitment to service, urging the faithful to continue embodying those virtues beyond the fasting period.

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State called on Muslims to seek divine guidance while also remaining vigilant during the celebrations, advising residents to stay security-conscious and report suspicious activities.

In Enugu State, Governor Peter Mbah urged Nigerians to sustain the spirit of unity, sacrifice, and compassion fostered during Ramadan, expressing hope that these values would promote national progress.

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State emphasised peaceful coexistence and tolerance, describing Ramadan as a period of reflection and renewed faith. Similarly, Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State called for unity, compassion, and vigilance, urging continued support for vulnerable members of society.

In Katsina State, Governor Dikko Radda encouraged Muslims to uphold the virtues of patience, compassion, and discipline cultivated during Ramadan, while Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State called for unity and collective efforts toward national development.

Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State urged continued prayers for Nigeria and peaceful elections, while Nasir Idris of Kebbi State reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to development and security.

Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State called for tolerance and harmony, urging Nigerians to embrace diversity and peaceful coexistence.

A former Governor of Kaduna State, Ahmed Makarfi, also encouraged Nigerians to sustain the spiritual lessons of Ramadan and promote empathy and unity.

The All Progressives Congress, through its National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, extended greetings to Muslims and urged Nigerians to uphold the values of unity, justice, and development, while also calling for support for ongoing national reforms.

In Edo State, Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa emphasised the importance of sustaining the values of peace, tolerance, and unity gained during Ramadan.

Traditional rulers also joined in the call for national renewal. The Alaafin of Oyo, Akeem Owoade, urged moral rebirth and prayers for the country, while Ayodele Obasoyin, the Olukere of Odo Oja in Ikere-Ekiti, called for unity and collective action to address economic and security challenges.

Across the country, security agencies announced measures to ensure a peaceful celebration. Police commands in several states, including Oyo, Borno State, and Delta, confirmed increased patrols, surveillance, and restrictions in certain areas to maintain order during the festivities.

Meanwhile, the Senate of Nigeria cautioned religious leaders against promoting extremist ideologies. The Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, urged clerics to preach tolerance and avoid actions capable of radicalising followers.

In Osun State, authorities in Osogbo banned political activities at Eid prayer grounds to prevent disorder, warning that violators would face arrest.

Acts of clemency and charity also marked the celebrations. Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa State granted pardon to 12 inmates, while former Sokoto State Governor Aliyu Wamakko facilitated the release of 80 inmates to ease congestion in correctional centres.

In Kano State, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf distributed relief materials to inmates across custodial centres, while the Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, provided thousands of bags of rice to constituents in Kano North to support Ramadan and Sallah celebrations.

Overall, leaders across political, religious, and traditional institutions emphasised the need for Nigerians to embrace unity, compassion, and peaceful coexistence, stressing that the enduring values of Ramadan remain vital for national cohesion and development.