The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, has urged Nigerians to use the Eid-el-fitri celebration to pray for the country to overcome its present challenges.
This is contained in a statement issued by Dogara’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Mr Turaki Hassan, on Tuesday.
Dogara congratulated Muslims across the country on the successful completion of the Ramadan fast, and urged them to allow lessons learned during the period to guide their activities.
He noted that the holy month of Ramadan afforded Muslims the opportunity to show compassion, mercy and kindness to their fellow men.
The speaker advised Muslims to continue to put smiles on the faces of others beyond the Ramadan period.
He urged the Muslim faithful to reflect on the lessons of Ramadan and continue to imbibe its teachings of selflessness, sacrifice, patience, modesty and spirituality.
Dogara urged Nigerians to pray for the success of the country’s leadership, especially for President Muhammadu Buhari, to steer the affairs of the country and actualise the change agenda.
He, however, affirmed the National Assembly’s commitment to uphold the tenets of democracy and champion the cause of the electorate at all times.
“The house will continue to initiate laws and legislative interventions to support the change agenda and improve the living conditions of Nigerians,’’ Dogara added.
In Ibadan, Gov. Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State has advised to Muslims to be on their guard against terrorists, who may want to wreak havoc during the celebration.
Ajimobi also appealed to them to be modest in their celebrations, and expressed the hope that the mandatory annual religious obligation would renew their strength and faith in Allah.
“I want to enjoin you to maintain your piety beyond the fasting period and rededicate yourselves to the worship of Allah and obedience to His injunctions, especially at this period when our country needs the prayers of the saints.
“You should not be tempted to go back to the various vices that you all jettisoned during the holy month.
“I pray that Allah should grant your requests and prayers, likewise that offered for your families, the state and country at large,’’ Ajimobi said.
He expressed belief that the dedication and commitment of the Muslim faithful to the Ramadan as one of the pillars of Islam, the country would soon witness a socio-economic rebirth and peace.
Ajimobi called on the people of the state to continue to support his administration in its efforts aimed at taking the state out of economic doldrums.
He also assured them that there would be light at the end of the tunnel.
Also, former Gov. Adebayo Alao-Akala, urged them not to forget the nation in their prayers.
According to him, the present economic hardship in the country requires absolute commitment of our people and prayers.
“The country will grow with our collective efforts, so let us strive to take the country to greater heights,’’ he said.
In Osogbo, Gov. Rauf Aregbesola of Osun, has called on Muslims to use the occasion of Ramadan celebration to pray for peace and economic stability of the nation.
Aregbesola said that this was not a good time for the country, “the economy is in doldrums and there is palpable air of insecurity all over the country.
“This is the time that we must either come together to jointly take our country to the height it deserves among comity of nations.
“We must stop paying leap service to fundamental necessities which are catalyst for development or else this nation would remain a dwarf to other nations, which ought to take directives from us.’’
He urged Muslim faithful to imbibe the spirit of humility, good neighbourliness, understanding and love as exemplified by Prophet Muhammad.
According to him, Muslims must exhibit commitment, discipline, obedience and love of Allah, and apply same in their daily relationship to their fellow human irrespective of ethnic and religious affiliations.(NAN)
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