Former Head of State, Abdulsalami Abubakar, Governor Mohammed Umar Bago and Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Abdulmalik Sarkindaji, have called on Nigerians to embrace peace, unity and prayers for the nation as Muslims celebrate Eid-el-Kabir.
The leaders, who spoke in Minna on Wednesday after the Eid prayers, described the current economic and security challenges confronting the country as temporary and surmountable with collective sacrifice, tolerance and patriotism.
Speaking shortly after observing the two raka’ats Eid prayer at the Minna Eid Ground, Gen. Abdulsalami warned politicians against overheating the polity ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The former military leader urged political actors to embrace issue-based politics and avoid bitterness capable of deepening division in the country.
According to him, peace remains the foundation for meaningful development, stressing that Nigerians across ethnic and religious lines must continue to pray for stability and national progress.
He also prayed for divine intervention to help the country overcome its social, economic and security challenges.
Governor Bago, while addressing journalists after the prayers, urged Muslims to use the Eid celebration to seek forgiveness and pray for a peaceful and economically prosperous Nigeria.
The governor expressed confidence that the country would overcome its present difficulties, insisting that better days lie ahead if citizens embrace love, mutual respect and collective responsibility.
He further encouraged Nigerians not to lose hope despite prevailing hardship, saying the nation would regain its greatness through unity and perseverance.
In a separate Sallah message, Speaker Sarkindaji commended Nigerians for their resilience and continued prayers for national peace despite the harsh economic realities facing the country.
The Speaker appealed to elected leaders at both national and state levels to prioritise the welfare of the people in all decisions and policies.
He also urged governments at all levels to adopt a grassroots-driven development approach capable of reducing hardship, easing tension and tackling insecurity in rural communities.
Sarkindaji noted that deliberate people-oriented governance would help restore confidence among citizens and improve living conditions across the country.
He congratulated Muslims worldwide on the successful celebration of Eid-el-Kabir and prayed for enduring peace in Nigeria.
Among dignitaries who observed the Eid prayers were former Niger State governor, Muazu Babangida Aliyu, the Emir of Minna, Umar Faruk Bahago, Mohammed Ibrahim Babangida, Commissioner of Police, Adamu Abdullahi Elleman, members of the State Executive Council and other top government officials.
The Eid prayer was led by Islamic cleric, Malam Habibu Mai Basira.