Muslims have been urged to pray for a united and peaceful Nigeria as they celebrate the successful completion of Ramadan.
The Governors of Cross River, Delta and Rivers States in South-south Nigeria made the call in separate messages to the Muslim Ummah.
In his message signed by Christian Ita, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River State urged Muslims to render selfless service to humanity in accordance with the lessons of the Islamic religious obligation.
Ayade stated; “Eid al- Fitr offers an excellent opportunity for Muslims to break barriers and reach out to fellow Nigerians, heal wounds and work toward a united, peaceful Nigeria especially at this time our country is facing myriad of economic and security challenges.
“Having been refreshed by the teachings of the Holy Prophet Mohammed, which are essentially love, self-denial and good conduct in our daily lives as well as spiritual rejuvenation, I enjoin the Muslim Ummah and indeed all Nigerians to employ a selfless approach in our dealings irrespective of religious, political or tribal affiliations.”
He further said; “as you celebrate this year’s Eid al-Fitr, may Allah, who waters his creation, sprinkle his wondrous blessings over you and your loved ones as well as light up your way to lead you to eternal happiness, success and peace.”
The Governor appealed to them and others to observe all Covid-19 protocols as they visit fun spots, stressing that state imposed curfew, which runs from 10pm to 6am was still in force.
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Delta State
From Delta State, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa urged Nigerians to have full recourse to God for solution to insecurity in the country.
Governor Okowa, who made the call in his message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Olisa Ifeajika in Asaba, said that Muslims and Christians should intensify prayers to complement the Nigerian and states’ governments efforts at ending insecurity.
He enjoined all Nigerians to also pray for the peace of the nation and avert a possible third wave of the Covid-19 pandemic.
According to him, this year’s Eid al-Fitr celebration is coming at a time when the country is plagued by varying security challenges, and urged Muslims as well as other Nigerians to use the celebration for sober reflection, supplication for peace, unity and progress of the nation.
“I congratulate His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General, Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar and all our countrymen and women who have successfully undertaken the month-long Ramadan fasting.
“It is my hope and prayer that Ramadan’s spiritual lessons and the Holy Prophet’s teachings of piety, love, justice, fairness, equity, peaceful co-existence, tolerance, honesty and dedication to duty will guide our interactions and daily living,’’ Governor Okowa added.
Rivers State
Similarly, the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has felicitated Muslims on the successful completion of the Ramadan fast and the celebration of Eid al-Fitri.
In a goodwill message signed by Kelvin Ebiri, the Special Assistant on Media, Governor Wike called on Nigerians to “draw the lessons of piety, love, justice, fairness, equity, peaceful co-existence with others, tolerance, honesty and dedication derived from the teachings of the Holy Prophet in the Ramadan period.”
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to continue to promote religious tolerance and provide the right environment for freedom of worship to thrive in Rivers State.
VON