President Goodluck Jonathan salutes all Muslims in Nigeria as they begin the 2014 Ramadan fast, urging them to rededicate themselves to the virtues of piety, tolerance and fairness to all.
As they joined fellow adherents of the faith in other parts of the world in undergoing the strictures and spiritual purification of the annual Ramadan fast against the background of security challenges in the country, President Jonathan has urged Nigerian Muslims to offer special prayers during the period for greater peace and security in the nation.
In a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media & Publicity, Dr Reuben Abati, the President reassured the entire nation that the Federal Government continues to work tirelessly to curb insurgency, terrorism and other criminal acts which have caused insecurity in parts of the country.
He urged Nigerians “not to succumb to despair, but to remain steadfast in the firm conviction that with courage, determination, focus, decisiveness and collective support for the Armed Forces and security agencies, the country would ultimately overcome the evil agents of sectionalism, sectarianism and international terrorism who seek to disunite the nation.”
As they observe the Ramadan, President Jonathan also called on Nigerian Muslims to rededicate themselves in fuller measure to the virtues of piety, self-discipline, tolerance, equity, honesty, fairness and sympathy for the less privileged which the Holy month promotes.
The President joined all people of faith in praying that God Almighty would grant Nigeria greater peace, security, unity and national harmony.
He wished the Muslim community a rewarding and spiritually gratifying Ramadan fast.
