Ramadan: Dogara, Tambuwal, Ahmed, Others Urge Muslims to Pray for Peace in Nigeria

Prominent Nigerians including Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, Governors Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto), Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara), Ayodele Fayose (Ekiti) and Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun) respectively yesterday called on Nigerians, especially the adherents of the Islamic faith, to use the opportunity provided by the holy month of Ramadan to intensify prayers for peace, unity and stability of the country.

There charge was contained in their messages to commemorate the start of the month-long Ramadan, which commenced yesterday.

In a goodwill message to Muslims issued by his spokesman, Turaki Hassan, Dogara said the present crop of leaders in Nigeria came in at a very critical time.

The Speaker said the promise of change by the new government could only be realised if Nigerians rededicate themselves to the service of God and humanity.

“I want to use this medium to call on our Muslim brothers and sisters to use the holy month of Ramadan to pray for peace, unity and prosperity of Nigeria.

“As mere mortals we cannot achieve anything of our own wisdom and strength but with prayers, and determination, we can collectively overcome our challenges as a country,” the Speaker emphasised.

In a message signed by his Special Adviser on Media and PublicAffairs, Malam Imam Imam, a copy of which was made available to THISDAY in Sokoto, Tambuwal appealed to well-to-do Muslims to prioritise the plight of the needy by spending from their wealth so as to ease their suffering.

He said by taking care of the poor, the vulnerable and the less privileged, peace would reign in the polity.

Tambuwal said the Ramadan provides opportunity for increased worship, strengthening of family ties and doing away with bad habits.

“We should use this period to love one another and make sacrifices for the overall growth and development of our nation,” Tambuwal advised.

Ahmed in his own message, called on Muslims to use the season to also pray for the speedy economic recovery and growth in the country.

The governor, in a statement issued in Ilorin yesterday by his Chief Press Secretary, Abdulwahaab Oba, said the country seems to be experiencing unusual economic and security challenges that require concerted efforts and prayers from everyone to get it back on track.

He implored the Muslims to use the season to pray fervently for national unity, religious harmony and re-energising of national economy.

“At a time like this when our state, and indeed our country is passing through dire economic challenges due to the slump in national earnings, national rebirth through good governance, Allah’s intervention in guiding our leaders in rejuvenating the economy and rebirth is crucial,” the governor said.

Fayose, in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Idowu Adelusi, said that the great Prophet of Islam, Muhammad, described Ramadan fasting as a shield against vices and noted that it was important for the Muslims to assist the country with prayers during this Ramadan period.

He said: “Fasting as one of the five pillars of Islam should not be just a period for abstaining from food and drink, the period should also be used to make greater sacrifice by praying fervently for the country.”

Fayose called on the Muslims in the country, especially those in Ekiti State to open their minds to sermons by Islamic Scholars during the period, saying; “During this 30 days fasting period, the Holy Quran will be read, Hadith (Actions and sayings of the Holy Prophet) and Tesfir (Sermons of knowledgeable scholars) will be listened to, it is my plea to our Muslim brothers and sisters to open their hearts and minds to the Tesfir of the Holy Month of Ramadan and allow themselves to be guided by them.”

Meanwhile, Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State has called on Muslim faithful across the country to use the period of Ramadan to pray for the progress and economic advancement of Nigeria.

According to a release signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Taiwo Adeoluwa, Amosun said the nation cannot but take a quantum leap away from various challenges, which had bedeviled it over the years, noting that the prayers of faithful irrespective of party lines during the holy month would no doubt help the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration.

“It is no news that we need help as a nation. The month of Ramadan avails us the opportunity to pray for forgiveness of our shortcomings and seek God’s favour in our areas of need. Muslims should endeavour to make Nigeria a priority throughout this holy month, which is one of the five pillars of Islam.

Amosun, said Nigeria needs to progress in all areas of national life and economic advancement would in no time be realised with the help of God and prayers.

“We should all in one accord pray for the success of the Buhari-led federal government to achieve its lofty dreams for this country,” he said.