BETTER DAYS COMING,SAYS BUHARI

Better days are on the way, despite the economic downturn, President Muhammadu Buhari assured Nigerians yesterday.
Buhari, in an Eid-el-Fitri message he signed personally, said he was not unaware of the hardship Nigerians are going through. He praised them for their sacrifice. He said: “I am not unaware of what Nigerians are going through and I want to use this medium to commend the amazing sacrifices of Nigerians in the face of the temporary economic and social challenges and also reassure Nigerians that my administration is working assiduously towards providing basic needs and other amenities. “Let me also use this opportunity to reaffirm that we will not relent in the fight against corruption and we will ensure that all appropriate and legal measures are deployed to root out this malaise. “I promise you all better days ahead even as we remain grateful for your unflinching support to our administration. Happy Eid-El-Fitr celebration and May the Almighty Allah continue to bless our nation. Eid Mubarak!.” Buhari urged Nigerians who have the means to remember the millions who are suffering deprivation because of violence perpetrated by terrorists. The President praised the Armed Forces and security agencies for the gains recorded in the fight against terrorists and the rescue of hostages in the Northeast. He appealed for the support, understanding and patience of all Nigerians and our international partners as the government explores the fastest means to end the economic sabotage in the Niger Delta and amicably resolve the conflicts within the region. On Eid-El-Fitr, he said: “I felicitate with all Nigerians, especially the Muslim Ummah, on the occasion of this year’s Eid-El-Fitr, which marks the completion of the Ramadan fast. “I congratulate Muslims in Nigeria and around the world on the successful completion of this month-long spiritual journey of fasting, prayer and almsgiving in obedience to the Divine Command. “I sincerely pray that the Almighty Allah will reward our sacrifices with increased blessing and a more prosperous future. On this happy occasion, it is my strong belief that all true followers of Islam have been rejuvenated on the true meaning and essence of life and through the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), we have learnt to imbibe the virtues of piety, sacrifice, love, self-denial and good conduct in our daily relationship with one another. “As we celebrate another Eid-El-Fitr, I admonish all patriotic Nigerians to uphold these lessons and also appreciate the numerous material and human blessings God has endowed us with.” He urged Nigerians to show gratitude, respect and tolerance to one other, irrespective of their religion, tribe, language and political leanings. Also yesterday, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) urged Muslims to intensify prayers for unity and peaceful coexistence of Nigeria. It urged the Niger-Delta Avengers (NDA) to stop attacks on oil facilities and embrace the proposed dialogue by the Federal Government. The ACF, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Muhammad Ibrahim, said: “Destruction of oil pipeline installations and polluting the environment is not a solution to whatever perceived grievances the groups may have against the government and oil companies. ”The Holy month of Ramadan of 1437AH (2016AD) has come to an end with the sighting of Shawwal moon. The period of Ramadan was an opportunity for Muslims all over world to fast, pray, and devote themselves to the reading and teachings of the Holy Quran, practices and sayings of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW). “It was also an occasion where Muslims reaffirm their belief in the oneness of Almighty Allah (SWT) and commitment to the ideals of Islam. Muslims also prayed fervently for peace, unity and understanding among Nigerians, they also helped the less privileged and the poor in our midst in view of the prevailing economic hardship and other inequalities nationwide. “ACF wishes the Muslim Ummah a peaceful and Happy Eid-el-Fitr celebration and equally urges Muslims to continue to devote themselves to prayers for unity and peaceful coexistence in view of the security, social, economic and many other challenges confronting Nigeria. “ACF, in the spirit of Eid-el-FItr celebration, calls on the Niger Delta Avengers and other militant groups engaged in the destruction of oil and gas pipelines and other economic structures to lay down their arms and embrace the Federal Government’s offer of dialogue. “Destroying oil pipe line installations and polluting the environment is not a solution to whatever perceived grievances the groups may have against the government/oil companies. Development and prosperity can only take place in an atmosphere of peace and understanding and not violence and destruction.” It said.