ABUJA, August 18,- As Nigerians join the rest of the Muslim world in marking the Eid-el-Fitri celebration, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has reiterated the importance of patriotism, peaceful coexistence and a greater national consensus on matters affecting the collective wellbeing of citizens. It stated that the task of ensuring peace and stability in the country is not a burden for the party or President Goodluck Jonathan alone, and, therefore, called on elders, leaders and opinion leaders to continue preaching the message of peace and unity amongst the people. “We are happy to observe the efforts of prominent Nigerian leaders who have been promoting efforts of Government in tackling the current challenges that face the Nation,” read a part of a statement signed by PDP’s national publicity secretary, Chief Olisah Metuh, released on Saturday. “The PDP wishes to specifically commend the patriotic intervention of the duo of General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (GCFR) and Alhaji Atiku Abubakar (GCON) in their call for Nigerians to rally round President Goodluck Jonathan to tackle the security and economic challenges facing the nation, and the condemnation of secessionist threats by a few misguided elements.” It described the pronouncements of the elder statesmen, coming at a time some “self-seeking individuals and political groups” are fanning the embers of hatred and division, as a joyful reminder that there are still highly respected leaders who are willing to rise above narrow sectional considerations for the overall stability of the country. The statement further read, “Nigerians will recall that General Babangida, in his media parley to celebrate his 71st birthday, described calls for the resignation of the President as ‘laughable.’ “Former vice president, Atiku Abubakar also echoed the same voice, urging Nigerians to put aside politics and join hands in preventing the threat to our corporate existence by some ethnic organizations. “We commend the statesmanlike disposition of these distinguished political icons and urge Nigerians to take a cue from this. We appreciate that in a multiparty democracy, there are different views on governance. However, the plurality of views must never be allowed to threaten the corporate existence of the Country. “Nigeria must remain our common denominator in spite of our different political and cultural orientations. PDP then appealed to all Nigerians to hold onto the lessons of the holy month, which include supplications to the almighty, sacrifice and brotherly love for one another, saying “we cannot claim to be people of faith if our actions negate the fundamental prescriptions of our creator.”