The New Peoples Democratic Party (nPDP) has congratulated Nigerian Muslims and other faithful across the world on the occasion of the 2013 Eid-el-Kabir.

The party in a statement issued today in Abuja, however, urged Nigerians to look beyond the merriment of the season but rather reflect on the significance of the occasion and how it could positively impact on the country’s present and future.

“As we celebrate Allah’s benevolence, it is important for us to pause and reflect on the significance of this celebration, which highlights the need for sacrifice and the benefits thereof,” said the statement signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze.

According to New PDP, “By his willingness to sacrifice his son as commanded by Allah, Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) demonstrated the need for us to be willing to make sacrifices for our desired goals. This lesson couldn’t have been more timely as the present situation in the country is such that calls for sacrifices on the part of all Nigerians but especially by those in positions of responsibility.

“It also calls for prayers for divine intervention, which explains why our party chieftains led by our National Chairman, Alhaji Baraje, who went to the Holy Land for this year’s pilgrimage, used the opportunity to pray for our troubled country.

“We are confident that with prayers and the needed sacrifices, Allah will show us mercy and intervene to solve our current economic and political challenges.

“We therefore wish our Muslim brothers and, indeed, all Nigerians, happy Eid-el-Kabir.”

•Photo shows New PDP National Chairman, Alhaji Abubakar Kawu Baraje.