The Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, made the
declaration on behalf of the Federal Government, according to a statement by
the Permanent Secretary, Dr Shuaib Belgore, obtained on Wednesday.
He congratulated all Muslims for the successful completion
of the holy month of Ramadan.
Aregbesola called on all Muslims to imbibe and practice the
virtues of kindness, love, tolerance, peace, self-denial, sacrifice and good
neighbourliness, as exemplified by the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon
Him).
“The self-restraint, self-denial, sacrifice and deep
spiritual consciousness that accompanied the fasting period should not end but
be maintained and improved upon, in order to be a better person and true
worshipper,” the minister advised all Muslims.
Aregbesola assured that the President, Major General
Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), was fully committed to a peaceful transition of
government following successful elections. He assured of the government’s
commitment to the provision of security for the life and property of every
citizen and foreigner in the country.
The minister commended all security agencies for the
successes recorded in the fight against criminals across the country.
He urged Nigerians to be part of the nation’s security
architecture by being vigilant and reporting suspicious individuals and
activities to law enforcement agencies nearest to them, noting that security
was everybody’s responsibility. He admonished Nigerians also to report
suspicious activities and persons to security agencies.
Aregbesola wished all Muslims a happy Eid el-Fitr
celebration and prayed “that the peace, blessings and favour of Allah be with
you all. Ameen.”