The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has called on Nigerians, particularly Muslim faithful, to continue praying for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing him as a leader committed to addressing the country’s numerous challenges.
Umahi made the appeal while hosting leaders and members of the Muslim community in Ebonyi State at his residence in Abakaliki as part of activities marking the Eid-el-Kabir celebration.
The minister said in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Francis Nwaze, on Wednesday that the gathering reflected the spirit of unity and peaceful coexistence that has long characterised Ebonyi State, noting that Muslims of Igbo, Hausa, and Yoruba extraction had consistently participated in the annual Sallah celebration hosted by him and his family.
According to him, the celebration has at times also included members of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), stressing that Nigerians, irrespective of religion, serve one God.
Umahi said he provided cash gifts, bags of rice, and groundnut oil to support Muslim faithful in celebrating the festival with their families.
“So today, I invited them to receive gifts — cash, rice, and groundnut oil so they can buy their rams and celebrate,” he said.
The minister used the occasion to seek prayers for President Tinubu’s health, strength, and re-election, expressing confidence in the President’s commitment to Nigeria’s progress.
“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 stated.
He maintained that despite criticisms of the current administration, no alternative solutions had been proposed that surpassed the reforms being implemented by the Tinubu government.
“I do not see any other person with the kind of commitment he has towards the daunting challenges we have in Nigeria,” he added.
Umahi also called for prayers for Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, and candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, urging Nigerians to support leaders with prayers for continued service delivery.
The minister further extended Eid-el-Kabir greetings to Muslims across the country and wished President Tinubu a peaceful Sallah celebration.