Be peaceful, pray for Nigeria, govs, others urge Muslims

Governors have urged Nigerians, particularly the elite, to promote peace and unity among various ethnic nationalities.

They gave the advice in their various Eid-el-Adha messages to Nigerians.

Speaking at the Uthman Bn Fodio Juma’at mosque in Modoji quarters, Katsina, the state Governor, Aminu Bello Masari, said, “As leaders, we must emphasise things that would promote peace, unity and mutual coexistence among the people irrespective of our political or religious differences.

“The issue of tackling security in the country is a collective responsibility and that governments should not be left alone in the fight,” he said.

Earlier, the Chief Imam, Ustaz Mukhtar Jibia, enjoined the rich in the country to assist the needy and the vulnerable.

Similarly, Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, urged residents of the state to relate with one and another peacefully irrespective of their religious affiliations.

The governor, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Shuaib Salis, spoke at the Lantoro Central Eid Praying ground in Abeokuta, the state’s capital.

He said, “Don’t forget that this is the period that we need to love one another more. Irrespective of our religious or political affiliations we should always remember that we are one, we are all created by God.

“We should all remember that no matter the daunting challenges that we are confronting, they cannot be as daunting as that of Prophet Ibrahim’s.”

Meanwhile, the League of Imams and Alfas in the state has warned leaders against inflammatory remarks capable of further dividing the country.

The Secretary General of League of Imams and Alfas, Tajudeen Adewunmi noted that inflammatory statements could fan the embers of hatred, discord or bitterness against individuals or groups within the country.

Governor Amini Waziri Tambuwal of Sokoto State enjoined Nigerians to imbibe the spirit of brotherhood and all other virtues this holy season symbolises.

He also urged Nigerians to use this period of Sallah celebration to cleanse their hearts and actions for the benefit of the country.

Tambuwal, in his Sallah message, said “It is a time to cleanse our hearts and the intentions of our acts, for the sole purpose of securing the reward from the Almighty and the benefit of societies.”

Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje of Kano State called on the people to continue to pray for an end to the rising insecurity ravaging the country.

Ganduje, who spoke after the Eid prayer at Kofar Mata, Kano, yesterday, also cautioned against shunning COVID-19 safety protocol, saying, “Since the third wave of COVID-19 is in sight, we should be able to follow the protocols.”

Imbibe spirit of generosity – Umahi

sacrifice,

The Governor of Ebonyi State, David Umahi, yesterday tasked Muslims to imbibe the spirit of sacrifice, perseverance, love, tolerance and generosity and the ultimate obedience to Almighty God as they mark this year’s Eid Al-Adha.

In a message to felicitate with the Muslim faithful, the governor also urged them to use the occasion to pray for the continued peace and unity of the nation. Keep hope alive – El-Rufai Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has called on Muslims in Nigeria to pray for the country to overcome its challenging times while also keeping hope alive as they celebrate Eid el-Kabir.

El-Rufai, in a message of felicitation to Muslim faithful on the occasion of Eid-el Kabir urged that the example of faith and sacrifice the Eid symbolises should be emulated by all.

A statement by the governor’s media aide, Muyiwa Adekeye also appealed to all residents to remain vigilant and law-abiding as security agencies intensify antibanditry operations to secure communities.

Pray for

Mohammed

Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has urged Nigerians to pray for adequate rainfall for farmers to have a bumper harvest during this farming season.

Mohammed, in a Sallah message, also advised the people to imbibe the spirit of forgiveness, humility and respect for one another.

“We should also use the Eidel

rainfall –

Bala

Kabir occasion to strengthen the existing interpersonal relationships and create new ones,” he added.

We’re stronger

Ndume

The Senator representing Borno South, Mohammed Ali Ndume enjoined Muslims to imbibe the spirit of unity, tolerance for a peaceful coexistence.

Senator Ndume, who is also the Chairman Senate Committee on Army, also advised Nigerians to shun acts that are capable of heating the polity.

He noted that the diverse nature of the Nigerian people is the main source of their strength and unity.

“We stand to lose a lot if we continue to dwell on what divides us rather than focus on what unites us as people,” he said.

While urging his constituents to continue to rededicate themselves to the onerous task of nation building, he said the essence of the festival, which symbolises the total obedience of Prophet Ibrahim (ASW) to the commands of Allah, must be emulated by all.

Your religious guaranteed, Ikpeazu Muslims

Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State has assured Muslim faithful that his administration would continue to uphold the religious rights of every citizen living in the state.

He also assured of providing enabling environment for the sustenance of peace and harmony among all residents.

The governor urged Muslims in the state to vigorously pursue and

together – rights

tells entrench the ideals of peaceful coexistence and the virtues of tolerance.

He tasked them to eschew things that create religious tension and challenged them to assist the government to fish out the bad eggs, whose aim is to cause trouble.

Tolerance, prayers solutions to Nigeria’s travails – Wamakko

The Chairman, Senate Committee on Defence, Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, has said that tolerance, love, respect for one another and fervent prayers were some of the most plausible ways out of Nigeria’s travails.

The former Sokoto State governor said, “The extant woes of Nigeria, including the recurring security challenges, are not peculiar to the nation.

“These were common global occurrences in the history of evolving nations and though they seem surreal and overwhelming, Nigeria will, in sha Allah, overcome them soon.

“To do this however, all the peace-loving and law-abiding citizens must renew their belief in unity, indivisibility and socioeconomic development of the country, hence, be more patriotic, honest and pious.”

Story by Abdullateef Salau (Abuja), Tijjani Ibrahim, (Katsina), Peter Moses (Abeokuta), Abubakar Auwal (Sokoto), Zahraddeen Y. Shuaibu (Kano), Nabob Ogbonna (Abakiliki), Lami Sadiq (Kaduna), Hassan Ibrahim (Bauchi), Linus Effiong (Umuahia), Abubakar Auwal, (Sokoto)