Politics
–
PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has again promise that his government would work very hard to make the country great. Speaking a Eid-Il-Kabir message on Monday, September 12, Buhari said: “I wish all Nigerians a joyous Eid-El-Kabir. We will continue to work to make Nigeria a great nation.
“On security, we have made tremendous progress against Boko Haram. We are now applying the same determination to the battle against militancy.
“On the economy, no doubt these are difficult times for Nigeria. Let me assure you we’re doing our best to improve the lives of all Nigerians.
“One area of special concern is job creation for our unemployed youth. Vice President Yemi Osinbajo is leading our efforts in this regard.
“We will emerge from these difficult times. We are doing our best, I urge you to equally do your best.”
On Sunday, September 11, the president in message to Nigerians attributed the current economic recession partly to the global downturn and the failure of past governments to save for the rainy day.
Nevertheless, he said his administration was committed to reflating the economy and improving the standard of living of Nigerians. He wished Muslims happy Sallah.
”I assure you that this administration is working round the clock to remove the hardship the country is going through. Rail and road construction, projects in the housing sector, support for farmers and for small and medium scale industries, youth and women’s empowerment programmes, support for revival of industries are all designed to reinvigorate the economy and enhance living standards of ordinary people,” he said.
On his part, Bukola Saraki, Senate president, urged Muslims to pray for peace and fast economic recovery.
Saraki, in same vein, appealed to Nigerians to remain steadfast and committed to the cause of one, united and developed country.
He said that despite the economic challenges, the country and its people have all that is required to come out better and stronger.
He called on all Nigerians to live in harmony with one another, irrespective of ethnic or religious affiliation, adding that the significance of the Eid-el-Kabir festival is to celebrate the true love and grace of Almighty Allah to mankind through sacrifice, devotion and faith.
“It is also a call on all of us to love one another, eschew all forms of violence, adhere strictly to the noble tenets of Islam and peaceful coexistence. We must not relent in being our brothers’ keeper and playing our part to achieve the New Nigeria of our dreams.
“Truly, times are tough, but we are a tough people too. Therefore, I have no doubt that we shall overcome our present economic setback sooner than anticipated, if we all commit to the ideals of nation building.
“I also enjoin everyone of us to contribute in strengthening the bond of unity and oneness that exists among us. This, I believe, will spur us to avoid negative tendencies that could derail our efforts at ensuring faster economic revival and socio-political stability,” he said.
Similarly, Yakubu Dogara, speaker, House of Representatives, urged Islamic faithful to use the festive period for sober reflection.
In a message signed by Turaki Hassan, his special adviser, Media and Public Affairs, Dogara noted that peaceful co-existence and understanding as well as sustained prayers among citizens were essential amid the economic and security challenges, which, he said, are are not insurmountable.
“As we celebrate Eid-el-Kabir with our friends and families, we must never forget our country and its leadership in our prayers. Eid-el-Kabir celebration is a period of sacrifice and reflection, I urge us all to emulate the virtues of total obedience, sacrifice in faith and selfless service as demonstrated and exemplified by Prophet lbrahim,” the Speaker admonished.
He lamented the pains the citizens are undergoing, which are caused by decades of maladministration and the near collapse of a mono product economy, but expressed confidence that the diversification drive of the President Buhari’s administration, coupled with its fiscal discipline and transparency, will return the nation to the path of true development and prosperity.
Dogara assured Nigerians that the House of Representatives is determined to work selflessly and tirelessly for the common good and the overall interest of the country and her citizens through effective, efficient and robust law making, oversight and representation.
— Sep 12, 2016 @ 14:50 GMT
|
Tags:
