Chinedu Nwafor, Abakaliki
The Honourable Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, says President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has shown uncommon commitment towards solving the many challenges facing the country, calling on Nigerians, especially Muslim faithful across the country, to continue praying for President.
Umahi described the President as a leader deeply committed to addressing Nigeria’s challenges and moving the nation forward.
Umahi made the call while hosting leaders and members of the Muslim community in Ebonyi State at his Abakaliki residence on Wednesday as part of activities to mark the Eid-el-Kabir celebration.
The Minister said the gathering was in the spirit of unity, and peaceful coexistence that had continued to define Ebonyi State over the years.
According to him, Muslims from different ethnic backgrounds including Igbo, Hausa, and Yoruba extraction have always been part of the annual Sallah celebration hosted by him and his family.
“And from those of Igbo extraction, Hausa extraction, and Yoruba extraction, all in Ebonyi State, every year during Sallah, we have always invited them. Sometimes, we join them with the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN to celebrate because I strongly believe that we are worshipping one God.
“So today, I invited them to receive gifts – cash, rice, and groundnut oil so they can buy their rams and celebrate,” he stated.
The Minister used the occasion to passionately appeal to Nigerians to pray for the success, strength, and re-election of President Tinubu, insisting that the President remains focused on solving the country’s numerous challenges.
“I also urge them to pray for the President. We need to pray for the President for health, strength, and his re-election because the President means well for Nigeria. He means well for our country,” Umahi said.
He further declared his confidence in the leadership capacity of President Tinubu, noting that no critic of the administration has offered a more practical alternative to the reforms being implemented.
“I do not see any other person with the kind of commitment he has towards the daunting challenges we have in Nigeria, and nobody has been able to come out and say, ‘Listen, this particular area that you are criticizing, this is the best way to go about it.’ So, let us pray for the President,” he added.
The Minister also called for prayers for Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, and all candidates of the All Progressives Congress in the state, asking God to continue strengthening them to deliver more democratic dividends to the people.
“Let us also pray for all our governors. In Ebonyi State in particular, we pray for the President, we pray for Governor Nwifuru, and we pray for all the APC candidates, that God will strengthen and keep them, and continue to help them deliver the dividends of democracy,” he said.
Senator Umahi also extended warm Sallah greetings to Muslim faithful in Ebonyi State and across Nigeria, while specially wishing President Tinubu a happy Sallah celebration.
“I want to wish not just those in Ebonyi State, but our Muslim brothers and sisters all over the country, a happy Sallah. And I say happy Sallah in particular to Mr. President”.