May 02, (THEWILL) – President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday, joined other Muslim faithfuls at the parade ground of the Mambilla Barracks, Abuja, to perform the Eid-el-Fitr prayer.
The President, accompanied by some of his family members and personnel aides, arrived at the venue of the event at about 9.00 a.m.
Others at the praying ground included some members of the Federal Executive Council, security chiefs, heads of paramilitary organisations and government officials.
In a sermon (Khutba), shortly after leading the prayers, the Presiding Imam, Lt Col Hamisu Mustapha, represented by Warrant Officer Dahiru Shuwa, admonished the congregation to keep alive the virtues and values of Ramadan, even after the holy month for eternal peace and salvation.
He stressed the need for genuine repentance from sin, love for one another, forgiveness, tolerance and constant prayers to Allah as the weapon against all adversities of life.
The Imam was also emphatic that extra effort must be made in obeying the commandments of Allah, Exercising patience at all times for his sake, as well as maintaining the competition in good deeds for humanity, mutual cooperation and brotherhood.
Special prayers were offered for an end to the various challenges bedevilling the country, peaceful 2023 elections, as well as sustainable National unity, stability and prosperity.
Dahey-Shuwa, in his sermon, also prayed for peace and stability of the country, calling on citizens to continue to pray and support the nation’s security agencies in their fight against terrorism and violent crimes across the country.
Responding to questions after the prayer session, President Buhari admitted to be having sleepless nights over the security situation in parts of the country.
He, however, promised to spare no efforts at dealing decisively and mercilessly with the criminal gangs.
In the forthcoming general elections, the president reaffirmed the commitment of his administration to a free, fair and transparent process.
The president had throughout the period of the Ramadan joined the Muslim faithfuls at the State House Mosque, in the interpretation of the Qur’an (Tafsir)
He had also used his evenings to host guests from cross sections of the country to Iftar (breaking of fast).
Malam Garba Shehu, the President’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, had in a statement in Abuja, said the President used the occasions to practise the values projected by the Ramadan.
These, according to him, include the promotion of discipline and personal sacrifice, care and love for less fortunate, promotion of national unity and support for the Armed Forces as they strive to end terrorism and other crimes in the country.
THEWILL reports that Monday’s Eid prayer was the first time the President would be observing the session outside the Presidential villa since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, two years ago.
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