13th January, 2014
President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has urged Nigerian muslims to offer special prayers during the Eid-el-Maulud for greater peace, unity and progress in Nigeria.
Jonathan made the request in a special message to salute Nigerian muslims on the occasion of the birthday of Prophet Mohammed.
With the religious observance coming on the eve of the nation’s Armed Forces Remembrance Day, President Jonathan urged all Nigerians to join in the prayers not only for the nation but also for Nigerian Armed Forces personnel, who continue to do their best to protect the nation’s territorial integrity and achieve greater security in all parts of the country.
In the statement signed by Reuben Abati, President Jonathan made particular note of the increasing tempo in political activities in the country, but pledged not to be distracted in pursuing the developmental agenda of his government.
He gave assurance to all Nigerians that his administration ” will not be distracted from working diligently to bring all of its priority developmental programmes and projects to a successful conclusion.”
“The President also assures the nation that his administration will continue to act on its belief that only free, fair and credible elections can make democracy in Nigeria truly meaningful and useful as a vehicle for development and progress by working with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and all stakeholders to make the best possible preparations for the next elections”, Abati added.