Former Vice President Atiku Abubabar, immediate past Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi have urged Muslims to make it an obligation to ensure peace and unity in the country at all times.
Atiku, in a goodwill message to mark this year’s Eid-el-Fitr, lamented what he described as a scary and growing tendency to mistrust fellow Nigerians along ethnic and religious lines.
“As Muslims, we know from both the Holy Quran and the Sunnah of Noble Prophet Muhammed (SAW) that no tribe or race is superior to another, except the one that seeks piety to the Almighty Allah.
“We do not attain piety through hate or blood-letting. We attain piety through forbearance and by sharing love. That is the message that we must give some reflection as we celebrate Eid today.
“Once again, on behalf of my family, I wish all Muslims a happy Eid-al-fitr celebration and pray that Almighty Allah accept our sacrifices in good deeds.
Saraki, in a statement by Yusuph Olaniyonu, his Special Adviser and head of his Media Office, also advised Nigerians to continue with their closeness to Almighty Allah and their prayers for His intervention in the affairs of the country, even after the obligatory fasting period.
He noted that Ramadan does not just symbolise having a positive attitude during the fasting period but represents a total change towards becoming good citizens who comply with the law and demonstrate patriotism at all times.
“We should refrain from returning to our old habits and become responsible citizens who pray for the country at all times and play our roles in the quest to entrench the fear of God, discipline, unity, development, equity, justice and inclusiveness in the polity.”
On his part, Obi urged Nigerians not to allow the prevailing hardship and mounting insecurity in the country to adversely affect their spirit of love, brotherliness and peaceful co-existence.
Rather, Obi said, the people should use this year’s Eid-El-Fitr festivities to engender the spirit of oneness and also re-dedicate themselves to the virtues of love, patriotism and unity for the desired national development.
