ABUJA—State governors have called on all Muslims and Nigerians in general to imbibe the values of peaceful co-existence and pray for continued peace and tranquility in the nation especially in the North East.
In their various messages to celebrate this year’s Eid-el-Kabir, the governors argued that promotion of peace among diverse ethnic and religious groups in the country is very essential to national development and that they should use the opportunity of this year’s festive season to demonstrate the essence of unity among the various ethnic groups that make up the country.
Lagos
Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State in his Sallah message by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Habib Aruna, said since Islam preaches the message of peace and tolerance, every Nigerian should embrace brotherly love and harmonious co-existence. He also urged Muslim faithful to pray for continued peace and tranquility in the state and the nation, especially in the North East.
While urging Muslims to shun religious extremism, which according to him, is a challenging development for the country, Ambode described those who hide under the veil of religion to perpetrate terrorism as being ignorant to the teachings of Islam as nobody can fight for God.
“You cannot fight to protect an authority that we owe our existence to or on behalf of one who is greater than the sum total of us.
“As we celebrate this auspicious occasion, therefore, let us renew our faith in our nation and implore the Almighty Allah to restore to us those values that place high premium on human life, love of neighbour and sharing even as we ventilate our faith in the unity of our dear country and the possibility of her taking her proper place in the comity of nations”, the governor said.
Osun
The Governor of Osun State, Mr Rauf Aregebsola, observed that the nation must chart a new way in its system of governance for it to attain the greatness it deserves.
The governor, in a statement issued by the Director, Bureau of Communication and Strategy, Office of the Governor, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon also said that promotion of peace among diverse ethnic and religious groups in the country is very essential to development.
He stated that leaders as well as followers have a task to fulfil in building a strong and virile nation.
Quoting from the Qur’an Chapter 2 verse 45, which say ‘Nay, seek Allah’s help with patience, perseverance and prayer…’ the governor called on all political and religious leaders across the country to use the festive period to supplicate to God for peace, progress and love among the people.
Edo
Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State urged the Muslim Ummah to continue to join hands with government to move the state and the country to a greater height.
In his Eid-el-Kabir message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Peter Okhiria, the Governor said: “I congratulate the Muslim Ummah on this year’s Eid-El-Kabir, which has pleased Almighty Allah for us to be part of.
“I sincerely appeal to the faithful to harness their thoughts and energies towards the development of Edo state and the country by joining hands with the State Government and our President, Muhammadu Buhari to help the Government realize its dream of a better state for all.
“In Edo State, I am proud to say the Muslim faithful are exemplars in exhibiting the true teachings of Islam which they practice in their daily dealings. I however appeal to the Muslim Community to continue to join hands with people of other faith to maintain the prevalent peace which has made our state the safest in the entire South-South region and one of the best investment destinations in the country.”
Delta
Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Charles Aniagwu Ehiedu charged Muslims to embrace unity, use the opportunity of this year’s festive season to demonstrate the essence of unity among the various ethnic groups that make up the country.
“Religion is a binding cord which espouses unity with a forward-looking resilience and every adherent who values his or her faith cannot afford to break from it”, the governor stated.
He reminded the Muslim faithful of the need to share whatever they have with their nieghbours as a mark of love in accordance with the injunctions of Prophet Muhammed.
The governor who noted that the current level of crime and violence in the society could be moderated if the haves are magnanimous enough to open their doors to the have-nots, said that there cannot be a more fitting time to reach-out to the less privileged than now.
While congratulating Muslims for this year’s Eid –el Kabir celebration, he asked Muslim faithful to use the occasion to pray for the new government and the recovery of the nation’s economy.
Sokoto
Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State, in his message enjoined Nigerians to continue with their support for the government as it seeks to implement policies and programmes that will uplift the standard of living of the populace.
In his Sallah message issued in Sokoto, Governor Tambuwal said meaningful development could only be achieved in an atmosphere of peace and cooperation.
While praying for a hitch-free Sallah celebrations, Tambuwal said his administration will continue to lay emphasis on the resuscitation of key sectors as roads, transportation, agriculture, education, healthcare and youth/women employment.
This, according to him, becomes necessary so as to take Sokoto to a higher level.
The governor wished all Nigerians a happy sallah celebration.
Kwara
Kwara State Governor, Dr Abdulfatah Ahmed has urged muslims to use the Eid-el-Kabir to imbibe the spirit of sacrifice, good neighbourliness and selfless service premised on the virtues of islam.
Governor Ahmed in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary to mark this year’s Eid-el-kabir festival, stressed that Nigerians must always work for the good of the country above personal or sectional interest.
Dr Ahmed charged muslims to appreciate the essence of Eid-el-Kabir as a symbolic representation of total submission to the will of Allah, goodness to one another and service to humanity as exhibited by Prophet Ibrahim.
The governor expressed gratitude to religious leaders, traditional rulers, community leaders, trade unions and politicians and the entire people of the state for their prayers and love and for ensuring sustainable peace in the state.
“We must therefore use the eld-el-kabir as another opportunity for us to reflect on the essence of sacrifice and humility as fulcrums for the promotion of harmonious relationship in our polity,” he said.
Kogi
Governor Idris Wada of Kogi State has called on Muslims and all Nigerians to eschew bitterness, embrace love and pursue peace with all men.
This was contained in his Sallah message signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Strategy, Jacob Edi.
According to the statement, “Muslims should capitalise on the convivial spirit of the Sallah festival to pray for genuine peace, unity and progress of Nigeria and it’s leadership.”
Wada who also called on all indigenes of the state to pray for divine guidance in the conduct of the forthcoming Governorship poll in the State, cautioned against violence and other electoral malpractices during the poll.
“While I congratulate Muslims for witnessing and participating in this year’s Eid-el-Kabir festival, I urge them to allow lessons of the season to continue to rule over their affairs long after the celebrations.”
Wada also advised all road users to pay due attention to traffic rules and regulations.
Ondo
Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State has urged Muslims in the country to use the period of the Eid-el-Kabir celebration to reflect on their contribution as individuals to the project Nigeria and charged them to do more towards making the project work.
This was contained in his sallah message issued by the State’s Commissioner for Information, Hon. Kayode Akinmade in Akure yesterday.
He added that the nation at this time need the cooperation of all Nigerians to make things work.
While congratulating the Muslims for the Sallah festivities, the Governor enjoined all Nigerians in general to imbibe the spirit of tolerance, love and good neighborliness amongst themselves.
Ogun
Ogun State governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, has called on the Muslim community to imbibe the culture of the rule of law and selfless service so that Nigeria can emerge a great nation.
He noted that through total obedience and selfless sacrifice, as demonstrated by Prophet Ibrahim, the faithful would receive abundant blessings and favour from the almighty Allah.
In his goodwill message signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Barr Taiwo Adeoluwa, the governor said “the unconditional obedience of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son as commanded by Allah and the teachings of the Holy Qur’an offer guidance on how a country undergoing many challenges can emerge better and stronger.”
“Therefore, the import of Eid-el-Kabir should not be lost on us as Muslims even as we count our blessings and celebrate the goodness of Allah in our lives,” the governor said.
Senator Amosun charged the faithful to demonstrate love to their neighbours, promote peaceful coexistence in their various communities and pray fervently for Nigeria.
He congratulated the entire Muslim Umaah and wished them a happy celebration.
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