President Bola Tinubu implores Nigerians to, in the spirit of the season, sacrifice for the greatness of Nigeria, promising that their sacrifice will not be in vain. A statement released by Ajuri Ngelale, special adviser to the president on media and publicity states that “President Tinubu affirms that the sacrifices and great expectations of citizens will not come to naught as already propitious outcomes are beginning to manifest with the economy strengthening and vibrancy returning to critical sectors,”
While they await that promised land, the President said, “I urge you all to live in peace and harmony. Be patient and persevere in order to enjoy the good of the land.” The appeals for peace and dedication echo in the messages by political leaders past and present, including those who partook in the last election.
For instance, former president, Muhammadu Buhari has applauded the increasing number of people taking interest in efforts to produce food through farming in Nigeria. The former president who was speaking during the Salah celebration on Sunday in Daura, Katsina State said the phenomenon should continue, adding that Nigerians should also begin to patronise foods produced in Nigeria. According to him, it was essential that all citizens make it a duty to ensure that Nigeria becomes self-reliant particularly in food production.
He said, “Let us grow our own food. We have shown that we can do it. This is not the time to relent when we see prices going up. Let us buy what is produced in the country.”
Atiku Abubakar, former vice president and candidate of the Peoples’ Democratic Party, PDP in the last presidential election also preached love and sacrifice, notwithstanding the situation of the country. He said, “Even in the face of current hard times that many Nigerians are passing through, we must never fail to trust God and, more importantly, extend compassion and safety to the vulnerable people around us.
“What this means is that as we celebrate today, we must ensure that we extend good tidings of support and charity to one another, especially those in difficulties.”