Govt urges unity, clears air on Yar'Adua's health
From Madu Onuorah, Terhemha Daka (Abuja), Ifedayo Sayo (Ado-Ekiti) and Hendrix Oliomogbe (Asaba)
FRESH admonitions on the virtues of love and brotherliness have gone to Nigerians as Moslems worldwide mark Eid-el-Kabir tomorrow.
Vice President Goodluck Jonathan, on his part, has asked Nigerians to imbibe the spirit of sacrifice as a way of putting the nation on the path of progress.
And amid anxiety over President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua's health yesterday, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Michael Aondoakaa, has affirmed that the president who is in Saudi Arabia for medical check-up was hale and hearty.
The airwaves had been jammed yesterday with rumours of Yar'Adua's death.
But a statement from the office of the AGF yesterday said: "We have received with great shock and dismay the rumours making the rounds about the state of health of Mr. President and wish to state that the President has gone to Saudi Arabia for routine medical check."
According to the AGF, it is normal for the President to embark on routine medical trip and to also go on vacation, it is unfortunate that cynics always read meanings to the movement of the president, especially, whenever he travels outside the country.
Aondoakaa, who came into the country, yesterday from an official trip to Trinidad & Tobago on the instruction of the President, said that he was in constant touch with Mr. President in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, adding that what we need in Nigeria today is to be focused and wish the President well."
He added that the President was committed to the wellbeing of the citizenry and that he is due back in the country as soon as he completes his medical check up and short vacation, in Saudi Arabia.
A statement signed by the Attorney General's Special Assistant on Media, Mr. Onov Tyuulugh also said the presentation of the budget to National Assembly by the Presidential liaison officer is in accordance with provisions of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
In his sallah message, Jonathan charged Nigerians to "deliberately forge the bonds of unity by consensus, and determine the way forward by aggregating all dimensions of its nationhood into that critical mass with a thumbs-up for progress."
The administration of President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua, the Vice President noted, is committed to leading Nigeria to a safe berth as an economic and political force to reckon with globally.
According to a statement signed by the Vice President, "it gives me tremendous pleasure to join millions of our Moslem brothers and sisters to celebrate Eid-el-Kabir. The significance of this festival of obedience and willing sacrifice to the Almighty Allah finds profound meaning in the story of the Prophet Ibrahim, and his willingness to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to the Almighty.
"The significance of Prophet Ibrahim's life is all the more potent given his humble beginnings and how he achieved greatness simply by doing what Allah asked him to do. And one of his great acts of obedience was his erection of the Ka'aba - which was to be the gathering place for all who wished to strengthen their faith in Almighty Allah. Today, his name is unforgettable, his fame undeniable, and his place in the history non-negotiable."
According to him, "the greatest challenges of our nation today is the willingness to sacrifice. This Eid, we must deliberately determine to forge a new nation. Our country, now more than ever before, needs people who would stand up and be counted on the side of progress. We must seek creative ways to move our nation forward in the comity of nations."
Jonathan stressed that the President Yar'Adua administration has already led the way through a thorough-going reform process, directed through the seven-point agenda towards achieving Vision 20:2020.
"We have chosen the rigorous route of a strict adherence to the rule of law in place of arbitrariness, and consensus building instead of an iron fist.
"This is the way to go. Every modern nation must deliberately forge the bonds of unity by consensus, and determine the way forward by aggregating all dimensions of its nationhood into that critical mass with a thumbs-up for progress. This administration remains committed to leading Nigeria to a safe berth as an economic and political force of reckon across the globe. We are committed to this vision, and will not be swayed from it, no matter the obstacles..."
Also, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dimeji Bankole in his own sallah message, said the period does not only signify joy and celebration but is also a symbol of the love of Almighty Allah to humanity.
According to him, the celebration is a significant event given the selfless service rendered to humanity by the great Prophet Muhammed in his life time. He, therefore, enjoined Nigerians to emulate this virtue and imbibe selflessness in whatever they do.
In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Ebomhiana Musa, yesterday, Bankole said Eid-el-Kabir should also serve as an occasion to reflect on Allah's love for humanity, and to remember the less-privileged in the society.
He also enjoined Nigerians to imbibe the spirit of forgiveness and live in harmony with one another, despite political or ethno-religious differences.
He also charged Moslems to be steadfast in their faith, stressing that it is of no benefit to gain all the pleasures of this world and lose Aljanah.
"All of us who are Moslem faithful should realise that we are like birds of passage here on earth, as such, seeking to amass all the wealth without the fear and love of Allah will deprive us of eternal life," he said, adding that only those who trust in Allah receive His favour.
The Speaker further urged elected officials and public office holders to have the fear of Allah, the creator and giver of life, adding that it is by so doing that they will serve the people in truth and in faith.
And from Delta State came a message from Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan that Moslem faithful should reciprocate the love of Allah by showing love and compassion to others.
While calling on Moslems and non-Moslems to live in peace and harmony with each other, he said that it is the best way to demonstrate appreciation to God's continued divine intervention in their life, especially as every religion professes peace, love and good neighbourliness.
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Ogbonna Onovo, on his part urged Moslems to emulate the life of Prophet Muhammed in their dealings, just as he directed all state Commissioners of Police to ensure that all hot-spots in their commands are adequately secured to forestall any breach of law and order.
The IGP, who spoke in Abuja, also prayed for a successful hajj for all Moslem pilgrims in Saudi Arabia.
While saluting officers of the Nigeria Police Force for their tireless and selfless service to the nation, the Police boss assured them that the hierarchy was committed to revitalising the Nigeria Police and ensuring that its past glories are restored, as a highly dedicated, motivated and efficient Police Force.
In another development, the Network on Police Reform in Nigeria (NOPRIN) has called on the IGP to address the alleged neglect and dehumanisation of Police personnel assigned for special duties outside their posts.
Also, the governorship candidate of the Action Congress (AC) in Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, enjoined Moslems to rededicate themselves to the promotion of love and brotherliness with adherents of other religions.
Fayemi said all Nigerians, irrespective of religion, should be thankful to God for allowing them to witness this year's celebration.
He urged all Nigerians to demonstrate the Prophet's virtues "politically, socially and spiritually in all our dealings with our neighbours and in nation-building."
