PeaceReligionNorthern Governors Forum Urges Muslim Ummah To Use Eid-El-Fitr Celebration To Foster Unity, Peace

https://www.westafricanpilotnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Northern-Governors-Forum_2_FILE-1280x853.jpg

The Northern Governors Forum (NGF) has called on the Muslim Ummah to make prayers the pivot of this year’s Eid-el-Fitr celebration in order to foster unity, peace and progress of the nation.

Chairman of the forum and Governor of Plateau State, Simon Lalong, said in a statement on Wednesday that “although Nigeria was going through troubling times, there was still hope that must not be lost because hard times do not last forever.”

“Muslim Ummah to continue to demonstrate faith in the prayers, which were offered, especially during the Ramadan fast, God did not make a mistake by creating Nigeria with all its diversities and will therefore not allow evil to prevail or destroy the country.”

“The current security situation demands more action from both the government and citizens who must work together to isolate bad elements that are desperate to make Nigeria an unstable entity.

“Nigerians, particularly political and religious leaders, should avoid rhetoric that inflames passions and further divides the nation along with religious, ethnic and parochial sentiments. I wish Nigerians a happy festive period and I am praying that it will be spent in peace and love,” the statement added.

Many governors in their separate statements offered solidarity messages and prayers for peace as the Muslim faithful marked the end of Ramadan fasting.

Governor Aminu Bello Masari of Katsina State, in his Sallah message urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and oppose any agitations aimed at balkanizing the country into hostile entities.

While calling on Muslims to observe COVID-19 protocols, Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State said that humanity was going through a tough time occasioned by restrictions.

Fintiri appealed to Muslims to strengthen the bond of friendship and unity.

Similarly, Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi enjoined the people of the state irrespective of their religious affiliations to live together in peace and harmony as they were all created by God to fulfil His purpose.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu urged Muslims in Lagos State and across the country to continue on the path of spirituality and peaceful co-existence.

The governor said Ramadan was significant to Muslims across the world as one of the major pillars of Islam, which thought abstinence from worldly pleasures, steadfastness in prayers and total submission to the will of Allah.

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, called on the faithful not to do away with love, prayers, unity and harmony that formed the basis of the holy month.

He urged Muslims to engage in moderate celebration to mark the end of the fasting, saying “the situation in our dear country calls for sober reflection and prayers.”

Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State said Ramadan was a season of several teachings that centred on humanity, kindness, peace and love; saying if these lessons would be retained, many of the problems afflicting the country would fizzle out.

From Ondo, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu said Ramadan entailed intense prayers. “We must pray for Nigeria and our state. The problem of banditry, kidnappings and other activities of criminal elements must be brought to an end. It is time to seek God’s face on the issue of insecurity that ravages our nation,” he said.

Governor Adegboyega Oyetola of Osun State urged the faithful to celebrate in accordance with COVID-19 protocols and encouraged them to reach out to the less privileged in the society to make them share in the joy and happiness that came with the festival.

Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State advised Muslims to remain steadfast and continue to pray for peace and unity of the country, noting that development and growth could only take place when the people were united.

Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi in his message called on all Nigerians to take advantage of the occasion to reflect soberly and intensify prayers, emphasising that the religious event had great positive impact on the nation’s efforts in surmounting its security, socio-economic and public health challenges.

Hassan Umar Shallpella (Regional Correspondent)

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

WP2Social Auto Publish Powered By : XYZScripts.com