Senate President, Bukola Saraki; his
deputy, Ike Ekweremadu; and his predecessor, David Mark, on Monday urged
Muslim faithful to sustain the values and virtues which the Holy month
of Ramadan taught them in the last one month.
The trio stated this in separate statements they issued in Abuja to felicitate with Muslims on the occasion of this year’s Eid-el-Fitri celebration.
Saraki, in his statement by his Special
Adviser, Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, in Abuja, in
commemoration of this year’s Eid-el-Fitri, also urged all Nigerians to
remain steadfast and prayerful in the face of daunting socio-economic
challenges.
He said that the challenges were surmountable “if we all realign our character and deeds in tune with the wishes of Allah.”
He stated that the country can only
regain its lost glory when the citizenry uphold the virtues of good
neighbourliness and eschew intolerance of other people’s opinion,
corruption, abuse of power, disregard for due process and disobedience
to the laws of the land.
Saraki said, “I urge all Nigerians,
across religious divides, to remain steadfast, prayerful and patriotic.
The virtues of moderation, piety, regular supplication to Allah and
being our brother’s keeper should subsist beyond the Ramadan. Beyond
this, every Nigerian should seek to contribute to rebuilding the nation
with renewed vigour.
“I also urge Boko Haram insurgents and
other agents of destabilisation across the country to retrace their
steps and give peace a chance in the spirit of the Eid-el-Fitri.
“Again, Nigerians who nurse one grudge
or the other against the state should seek for legitimate and peaceful
means of expressing their grievances so that it will be possible for
their position to be better understood and addressed through
constructive dialogue.
“Similarly, let us all refrain from
using violence to express our stand on issues. Violence only destroys;
it does not build. Let us also shun greed and other vices capable of
undermining the socio-political growth of our dear nation.”
Ekweremadu, in his message, called on
the Nigerian Muslims to use the occasion to pray for divine intervention
in the face of the various forms of difficulties confronting the
nation.
Ekweremadu called for unity and
concerted efforts among Nigerians, irrespective of their various
religious, tribal and political inclinations.
He said, “On this blessed occasion, I
rejoice with the Nigerian Muslims and wish them a hitch-free Sallah
celebration. I equally urge them to carry the lessons of the Holy month
of Ramadan beyond the month by remaining a people who forgive and eschew
rancour and bitterness, while also remaining just and sincere in their
dealings with fellow Nigerians.
“As Nigerians, we must continue to
strengthen the spirit of oneness, regardless of religious, ethnic,
regional and political diversities, for that is the only way to surmount
our daunting challenges and build a greater Nigeria.”
Mark, on his part, decried the rampant
cases of violent crimes in the country, just as he challenged all men of
good will to rise up to the occasion to remedy the situation.
He lamented the spate of crimes; ranging
from terrorism, kidnapping, armed robbery, vandalism and religious
extremism which were fast destroying the fabrics of our society.
He said, “Violent crimes are fast
destroying our national landscape. The situation is alarming. This time
calls for patriotism and service to rescue the situation.
“This is no longer an assignment for
government alone. All hands must be on the deck. It is not the case
between Cain and Abel, where one insists,’ I am not my brother’s
keeper.”
Source:Punch
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