Nigerians have once more been asked to shun their religious differences and love their neighbours as themselves.
Nigeria’s President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, made the call while receiving Vice President Namadi Sambo and other Muslim faithful resident in the Federal Capital Territory who converged on his residence to pay him homage.
The President condemned the killings by the Boko Haram and other terrorist groups in the name of religion, saying that no religion tolerates that kind of dastardly act.
He called on Nigerians to continue to pray for the souls of the many who have died as a result of terrorist attacks and asked for the forgiveness of those who carry out the terror act.
The President, who observed that this year’s celebration is significant in many ways, noted that despite the odds he was optimistic that the security challenges would soon end.
The occasion offered the opportunity for exchange of pleasantries between the President, the Vice President and other government officials, including some former and serving ministers and special aids to the President.
Vice President Sambo called it a special season and thanked the President for the support, while also thanking Allah for the success recorded so far in the administration’s transformation agenda.
The Vice President, joined by the Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory and other dignitaries, also presented a special Sallah card to the President.
All the guests then took turns to receive the presidential handshake which has remained one of the regular features at each years celebration.
The President expressed his appreciation of the commitment shown by Muslim faithful especially at festive seasons like the Eid-El-Kabir, describing it as a unique gesture.
More prayers were offered for the continuous blessing, unity, progress and peace of the country.
