As the Muslim faithful celebrate Eid-el Kabir, the First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, has urged Nigerians, especially the women, to intensify prayers for peaceful co-existence in the country.
A statement by her Media Assistant, Mr Ayo Adewuyi said Mrs Jonathan, while felicitating with Muslims, urged them not to forget the spirit behind the celebration.
The First Lady also appealed to Nigerians to imbibe the spirit of tolerance, obedience and respect for constituted authority for the collective advancement of the country.
She reiterated the need for peace if the desired development would be achieved.
Mrs Jonathan called on the Muslims and indeed all Nigerians to spare a thought for members of the armed forces and security personnel on the line of duty risking their lives for peaceful festivities.
The president’s wife wished all Nigerians happy Eid-el Kabir celebrations and also prayed for the safe return of pilgrims on Hajj in Saudi Arabia.
Similarly Abia State Governor, Chief Theodore Orji has enjoined Muslims in the country to engage in activities that only promote peace and unity of Nigeria.
Orji, who congratulated Muslims and wished them happy celebrations, stressed the need of peace for the continued existence of Nigeria as united entity “despite our religious ideologies.”
In a press release signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Charles Ajunwa, Orji charged Muslims to dedicate this year’s Sallah to prayers for the peace and unity of Nigeria.
He noted that the war against insurgency was more spiritual than physical, and could only be won through fervent prayers.
The Governor called for more prayers in support of solders and other security agents who put their lives on the line in defense of the country against insurgents.
Orji appealed to Muslims to eschew violence and seek peace with their neighbours in keeping with the tenets of Islam, reminding them that no meaningful progress can take place in any society in the absence of peace.
He also urged all Nigerians to be patriotic and put the interest of the country above parochial interests “so we can march on as one indivisible nation despite our religious differences.”
The Abia helmsman further noted that Nigeria could exploit the strength of its diversity and launch herself into a leading economic player both in Africa and in the world.
He called for religious tolerance among various faiths in the country, stressing that “it was not by accident that God allowed us to be brought together as one country”.
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