By Enyeribe Ejiogu Paul Osuyi (Asaba), Noah Ebije (Kaduna)
Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, and Waziri Adamawa, Atiku Abubakar, has enjoined Muslim faithful and all other Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora to reflect on the significance of this year’s Eid-el-Maulud, saying that life of Prophet Mohammed exemplified the virtues of peace, love and patience, which are necessary virtues for all citizens to cohabit in a diverse nation like Nigeria.
He said this year’s celebration is unique and significant coming at this present time in the history of the country.
In a statement b y his Media Office, the Waziri Adamawa said: “As we are on the threshold of a historic decision that will shape the future of our great country, I will urge you to join hands in the task to rescue, unify, reposition and build the Nigeria of our dreams where all will live in peace irrespective of faith, creed, tribe or political affiliation.”
Chief Whip of the Senate and former governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Kalu has called on the Muslim community in Nigeria to use the special season of Maulud Nabiy to offer prayers for the country.
Kalu enjoined Nigerians to live in peace and harmony despite cultural, religious and political differences.
The former governor, who stressed that as a statesman and highly detribalized Nigerian, he would continue to build relationships with people of various religious faiths, noting that the heterogenous nature of Nigeria should be explored for growth and development as against a tool for disharmony.
Kalu stated that religious tolerance must be exhibited at all levels in the society, adding that religious leaders have major roles to play in promoting peace and unity across the country.
In a statement issued in Abuja, Kalu urged politicians not to use religious sentiments to heat up the polity, adding that politics should not be seen as do-or-die affair.
He said: “It is imperative to imbibe the exemplary qualities of Prophet Muhammed in our daily lives for us to build an ideal and decent society.
Nigerians should embrace love, patriotism, selflessness, alms giving and togetherness in their daily endeavours.
“As we approach the 2023 general elections, the electorate should be wary of politicians who will use religious sentiments as a tool for campaign of calumny.
He urged the political class to put national interest above selfish ambitions.
While felicitating with Muslims on the occasion of the Eid-el-Maulud, the Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi, urged Muslim faithful and other Nigerians to uphold the holy virtues of peace, unity and love, which are some of the highly needed ingredients for the nation’s progress.
“May this celebration remind us of the need to love and care for one another, according to the virtues of the holy Prophet Muhammed. May today’s celebration bring to birth, in our highly divided nation, the much needed peace and unity, love and progress. May we unite in purpose and efforts, to move our nation forward, as we journey into the New Nigeria,” Obi said.
Delta State Governor and Vice Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, urged Muslims to embrace peace and love and share the same among fellow citizens as the country prepares for general elections in 2023.
The felicitations contained in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Olisa Ifeajika, yesterday, Okowa urged Muslims to pray particularly for peaceful and united Nigeria.
He urged Nigerians to use the celebration for sober reflection and pray for tolerance and peaceful co-existence in the country, saying that the country could only develop and surmount its challenges when it was peaceful and the people were united.
The governor particularly called on Muslims to use the period to reflect on the challenges bedevilling the country and to spread the virtues of peace, love and charity, which the Holy Prophet represented.
Governor of Imo State, Sen. Hope Uzodimma while felicitating with Muslim faithful across the country urged them to continue to pursue the virtues of hardwork and peaceful disposition espoused by Prophet Muhammad to their fellow human beings irrespective of creed, ethnicity, social standing and ideology.
Kaduna State governorship candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC) and senator representing Kaduna Central in the Senate, Senator Uba Sani, called for prayers to sustain security improvement witnessed in recent times across the country.
Senator Uba Sani urged the people to devote this year’s Eid-El-Maulud celebration to pray for the sustenance of the successes that security agencies have been recording against terrorism even though the country is still grappling with insecurity.
He prayed the Almighty Allah to give the nation’s leaders and security agencies the wisdom, strength and courage to prosecute terrorism battle to its end, to ensure the return of peace and security return to the country.
The governorship hopeful also noted that he has continued to receive endorsements from critical stakeholders across the state, adding that APC is sure of victory to take Kaduna State to higher heights.