President Goodluck Jonathan has congratulated all Nigerians of the Islamic faith who have successfully completed the month-long Ramadan fast, using the occasion to advise politicians to stop heating up the polity..
According to Presidential Media Adviser on Media, Reuben Abati, President Jonathan also thanked all Moslems in the country who responded to calls by him and other leaders for special prayers during the Ramadan for greater peace, security and progress in Nigeria.
“The President joins them and all other patriotic citizens in the pious expectation that God Almighty will hearken to the supplications of the faithful and bless Nigeria even more abundantly with peace, political stability and national prosperity.
“President Jonathan seizes the opportunity of the Eid-el-Fitri celebrations to reassure all Nigerians of his resolute commitment to overcoming all distractions and delivering on his promise of good governance and national transformation.
“The President assures Nigerians that his Administration will continue working tirelessly to build on the firm foundations for sustainable national development which it has already established in key areas such as public infrastructure, power supply, roads, transportation, aviation, agriculture, education, healthcare, youth employment and electoral reform.
“President Jonathan also urges other elected officials at all levels of governance to avoid overheating the polity with unnecessary ethnic and political intrigues, and give the highest priority to fulfilling their promises of better living conditions for the electorate first, before turning their minds to plans and permutations for future elections.
“As they celebrate Eid-el-Fitri and the end of Ramadan, the President urges Nigerians to continue to support the present Administration in every possible way to ensure that the country continues to make steady progress towards the successful implementation of its agenda for positive national transformation. He wishes all Nigerians happy Eid-el-Fitri celebrations.
Meanwhile, President Jonathan cancelled Cabinet meeting on Wednesday because most of his ministers are already in celebration mood.
According to Abati, some of the ministers have gone to Saudi Arabia for Lesser Hajj (Umrah), including Vice President Namadi Sambo, while others also traveled to their states for Sallah, saying they have constitutional rights to carry out their spiritual obligations.
