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President Goodluck Jonathan has congratulated Moslems on the occasion of this year’s Eid-El-Fitr celebrations.

A release signed by
the special adviser to the president on media and publicity, Ima Niboro
said Mr. Jonathan urged “all Nigerians to seize the opportunity of the
Sallah celebrations to reflect on their spiritual life as individuals
and on how they can contribute more meaningfully towards making Nigeria
better”.

He said his
administration has taken notable steps to revitalize the machinery of
governance at the federal level so as to improve the lives of all
Nigerians.

“With your
continued support and goodwill, we shall, in the coming months carry
forward our plans to further stabilize all sectors of our economy,
improve national infrastructure and power supply” the statement said.

“Following the
recent announcement by the Independent National Electoral Commission
(INEC) of the timetable for the 2011 general elections, I would also
like, on this occasion, to reaffirm that my administration will give
INEC all the support and assistance it will require to deliver free,
fair and credible elections.”

In his message, the
Senate President, David Mark, assured Nigerians that all necessary
structures will be put in place to guarantee free, fair, and credible
elections so that all stake holders take pride in the 2011 elections.

Mr Mark said,
“There is need for all of us to be dedicated and committed more than
ever before. Fifty years of nationhood is a milestone. No matter the
challenges, we should be hopeful that we are capable of addressing our
problems, as a people bound by a common heritage and mission. The
challenges ahead of the 2011 polls should not be left in hands of
government alone. All of us, all citizens are stakeholders in the
project, Nigeria. It therefore behooves on all of us to make it work.”
He also urged politicians not to see the forthcoming elections as a do
or die affair, saying, “We must abide by the rules of the game and
ensure that our ultimate aim is to serve our people and provide
dividend of democracy for them.”

The Rivers State
governor, Chibuike Amaechi commended Muslims in the state for their
understanding and support to the government in the task of restoring
peace to the state. In his sallah message for the Eid-el Fitri
celebrations, he urged them to use the occasion to pray for the peace,
unity and progress of the nation, as well as for the success of the
2011 elections.

The governor
thanked Muslims in the state for living harmoniously with their
Christian brothers and enjoined them to sustain the cordial
relationship, noting that the state government will continue to
encourage religious tolerance.

Delta State
governorship aspirant, Obarisi Ovie Omo-Agege also enjoined Nigerians,
irrespective of their religious leanings to continue praying for the
success of the 2011 general elections and for peace to reign in the
country.

The PDP
governorship aspirant called on Nigerians to support the efforts of Mr
Jonathan in enthroning acceptable electoral standards in the country.

He also urged the
people, especially politicians and the youth to eschew violence, adding
that this period calls for sober reflection by all Nigerians on the
state of affairs in the country. He called on Nigerians to support the
adoption of ‘one man one vote’, which he said, will ensure the conduct
of a credible election by the Independent National Electoral Commission
(INEC).