President Muhammadu Buhari is being dragged on social media for wishing Nigerians ‘Happy New Year’.
Buhari made the wish in a statement on Tuesday to mark Muslims New Year 1443 and the commemoration of the migration (Hijra) of Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wassalam) from Makkah to Madinah.
The statement which was issued by Garba Shehu, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity read in part:
“President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday congratulated Nigerians, as well as the Muslim world, on the New Year 1443 and the commemoration of the migration (Hijra) of Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wassalam) from Makkah to Madinah.
“On the occasion of the Islamic New Year, and the commemoration of the Hijrah, I urge Muslims and other citizens to imbibe the lessons of compassion, peace, and support for one another. I wish all Muslims a blessed year,” said the President.
But Nigerians, who responded to the statement on Garba’s Facebook page, dragged Buhari for wishing the entire country a happy New Year for an Islamic event.
Below are some of the reactions:
Ernest China: This man is a confused lot. How on Earth can you be wishing Nigerians that are not an Islamic state happy new year in August?
Iyaniwura Ifedayo Fred: “He can only wish the Muslims that kind of Happy New Year, not Nigerians. Nigeria is not an Islamic country, Mr !”
Don Jasper Efiok, “Mr. Man, wish yourself and the people you confuse your new year…a new year starts from January 1st…I don’t know the new year you’re coming here to wish yourself not Nigerians.”
Oladapo Obe, “Are we now all Muslims that you are wishing us happy new year. Is Nigeria an Islamic country?”
Adaji Danjuma Michael, “This Garba Shehu is on drug, please change the heading, how can you wish Nigerian happy new year in August? Instead of Muslim faithful, are we now a Muslim state?”
Abiodun Jeremiah Ojo, “Since Garba Shehu has failed in his duty, I took it upon myself to fill the gap.
“President Buhari wishes fellow MUSLIM brothers and sisters a happy new year”.