Nigeria’s President, Muhammadu Buhari on Monday called on Muslims in the country to sustain the virtues of the Ramadan period.

In his Sallah message to Nigerians issued through his media aide, Garba Shehu, Buhari also expressed satisfaction at the conduct of peaceful elections in Nigeria despite what he described as ‘doomsday predictions of social disharmony’.

While commending the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for conducting a credible and fair election despite the initial difficulties, Buhari lauded the electorate for their tenacity and strong faith in the democratic process.

“Before the 2019 general elections, prophets of doom didn’t give the country a chance to conduct peaceful elections. Despite these fears, the country overcame its political challenges.

“For abandoning their businesses in order to vote, the voters had demonstrated great patriotism in coming out to exercise their civic duty.

“Let me use this opportunity once again  reassure all Nigerians that your sacrifices in voting for me won’t be in vain. I will ensure the ordinary voters feel the positive impact of government,” Buhari said in the statement.

He added: “The Ramadan period is meant to reinforce us spiritually. Therefore, we should use religion as an inspiration to do good at all times. The virtues of the Ramadan should be sustained beyond the celebration.

“Going back to bad ways after the Ramadan might defeat the essence of the message and lessons the fasting period was supposed to inculcate in the hearts and minds of the Muslim faithful.”

The President also used the occasion to commiserate with victims of terrorism, kidnapping and banditry in the country, assuring all Nigerians that under no circumstances would criminals and mass murderers be allowed to hold the country to ransom.