President Jonathan’s Eid-El-Kabir Message To The Nation

Culled From:	Ladun Liadi

Here is the president's message to the nation as Muslims celebrate today.

Dear Compatriots,

I greet and felicitate with all our countrymen and women of the Islamic faith as we celebrate this year's Eid-El-Kabir.

I also congratulate all believers who have successfully undertaken the Hajj this year as

enjoined by Prophet Mohammed (May Peace Be Upon Him).

As they conclude the rites of the Hajj and prepare to return home, let us all join them in offering special prayers for greater security, peace, unity and progress in our dear country as well as for the peaceful and successful conduct of next year's general elections.

With this week's issuance of a formal notice of the impending general elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), another national campaign season is now truly upon us and I urge all political leaders in the country to place the overriding interest of the well-

being and progress of our fatherland above all other considerations in the coming campaigns and elections.

My administration has done its sincere best in the past four years to implement its agenda for national transformation and move our country forward on several fronts.

I thank the many individuals, stakeholders, groups, associations, non-governmental organisations, unions and political leaders from across the country who have, in recognition and appreciation of our efforts and commitment to repositioning our dear nation for more rapid growth and

development, urged me to seek a second term in office.

In deciding on an appropriate response to such calls, I will place the greater interests of national harmony, cohesion, unity, security, political stability, progress, equity, justice and fairness above any personal ambition or sectional agenda.

I urge all other political leaders in the country to do the same. Let us all rise above unedifying, unpatriotic and selfish personal interests and divisive sectional agenda in the coming national elections.

Let us also commit ourselves more to the sustenance of democracy and political stability which are essential prerequisites for the advancement of good governance, inclusive economic growth and rapid development.

In spite of the significant progress we have made in the past four years, our dear nation continues to face critical challenges in some areas. I am convinced however that if we persevere and continue to build diligently on what the present administration has

achieved, we will surely overcome all hindrances and fully establish a stronger, more united and prosperous nation that meets the aspirations and yearnings of all of our people.

As we celebrate the Eid-El-Kabir, let us also rededicate and commit ourselves to the Holy Prophet's injunctions of piety, honesty, charity and generosity to the less privileged, impartial leadership and true justice for all.

These virtues and lessons will surely stand our nation in good stead as we continue our journey towards the fulfillment of our founding fathers' vision of a great nation.

May Allah's blessings be upon all our compatriots who have undertaken the Hajj this year and on our dear country.

I wish all Nigerians currently in the Holy Land a safe journey back home.

Happy Eid-El-Kabir to you all.

Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR

President,

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.... How Robin Hood Come to Be an OUTLAW Long time ago in England. when good King Henry the Second ruled the land, there lived within the green leaves of Sherwood Forest. near Nottingham Town, a famous outlaw whose name was Robin Hood, No archer ever lived that shot an arrow with such skill and cunning as his. nor were there ever such lighters as the seven score merry men that roamed with hint through the greenwood shades. Merrily they lived within the depths of Sherwood Forest, with no care or want, but passing the time in merry games o farchery or bouts of stick fighting, eating the King's meat, washed down with alcohol brewed in October. Not only Robin himself but the entire band were outlaws and lived apart from other men, yet they were loved by the people around. for no one ever came to Robin for help in time of need and went away again with an empty hand. And now I will tell how Robin Hood became an outlaw. .... TO BE CONTINUED TOMORROW...JOIN US TOMORROW FOR MORE ON THIS FUNNY AND EXCITING STORY }}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

Federal Republic of Nigeria