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 showing uncommon commitment to addressing the nation’s 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.
According to the minister, the gathering reflected the spirit of unity and peaceful coexistence that has long defined Ebonyi State, noting that Muslims from Igbo, Hausa and Yoruba ethnic backgrounds have consistently participated in 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 to celebrate because I strongly believe that we are worshipping one God,” Umahi said.
The former Ebonyi State governor disclosed that gifts including cash, bags of rice and groundnut oil were distributed to support Muslim families during the celebration.
“So today, I invited them to receive gifts — cash, rice, and groundnut oil so they can buy their rams and celebrate,” he stated.
Umahi used the occasion to seek prayers for Tinubu’s health, strength and re-election, insisting that the President remains focused on tackling Nigeria’s numerous socio-economic and infrastructural challenges.
“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,” he said.
The minister further expressed confidence in Tinubu’s leadership capacity, arguing that critics of the administration have failed to present practical alternatives 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,” he added.
Umahi also called for prayers for Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru and candidates of the All Progressives Congress in the state, urging Nigerians to support leaders delivering democratic dividends.
He also extended Eid-el-Kabir greetings to Muslim faithful across the country and wished President Tinubu a peaceful Sallah celebration.