The Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2019 Presidential election, Atiku Abubakar, has urged Muslims in the country to use the month of Ramadan to pray for Nigeria and her people.
Abubakar made this call in his Ramadan message to Muslims which was personally signed by him and sent to Naija News.
This online news had reported earlier that the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar III, declared Monday, May 6, as the 1st Ramadan, 1440H, signifying the commencement of the annual long-month fast by Muslims after sighting the moon. 
Naija News reports that Abubakar announced the sighting of the new moon in Sokoto, northern Nigeria, on Sunday evening, May 5, in a broadcast monitored by this reporter.
During the broadcast, the Sultan urged all Muslims in Nigeria to: “Pray fervently for the blessings of Almighty Allah to lead us at all levels to succeed in steering the affairs of our dear country and for the sustenance of peace and stability,” the Sultan said during the broadcast.
In the same vein, Nigeria’s former Vice President called on Muslims to take advantage of these open heavens to make Ramadan intercession for the benefit of Nigeria.
His words: “I greet the Muslim Ummah as we begin the month of Ramadan and I urge that we use this holy month to pray for our dearly beloved nation and its people.
“Prophet Mohammed (SAW) said, “When the month of Ramadan starts, the gates of heaven are opened”. Let us take advantage of these open heavens to make Ramadan intercession for the benefit of our country, our countrymen and women and for humanity as a race.
“I call on one and all to remember that Nigerians are who would make Nigeria either great or dismal through our thoughts, words and actions. Therefore, Ramadan is an opportunity for us to rededicate ourselves to the virtues displayed by the Holy Prophet Mohammed (SAW).
“Virtues such as brotherly love and community spirit, without which a country shall be just a hollow shell.
“When we make ideals our goal this Ramadan, we will, by Allah’s grace, be able to reach a turning point in our individual, family and national lives that will bring about the rebirth of Nigeria as a nation that functions to provide peace, progress and prosperity to each and every citizen.
“Therefore, as we use this fasting period of Ramadan to master ourselves through discipline, abstinence, prayer and self-sacrifice, may Allah (SWT) hear our prayers and see us through so that we will finish what we started today in good health and a sound body.
“Some of our challenges may look like they will overwhelm us, but during the month of Ramadan, our connection and reconnection with Allah (SWT), makes our resolve stronger and our challenges weaker.
“May Allah bless you, my brothers and sisters, may Allah bless Nigeria and may Allah hear your prayers. Amin,” the statement added.
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