By Augustine Akhilomen
As Muslim faithful across Nigeria join their counterparts across the world to mark the end of the Ramadan, Governors and Politicians have enjoined them to ensure the essence of the Eid-el-Fitr continues to resonate in their way of life.
The Eid-El-Fitr celebration marks the end of the 30-day Ramadan fasting period.
Some of the governors urged them to remain steadfast in their prayer for a one united, peaceful and prosperous country because God has been merciful to Nigeria and Nigerians despite the Covid-19 pandemic.
Peter Obi, former Vice Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, on Saturday urged Muslims to pray God to “re-engineer our country and position it for true greatness.”
“I urge you Muslims therefore to use this period to pray fervently to Allah to forgive us our trespasses and help rescue the country from the lack of direction inherent in her political leadership.
“Let us use this solemn time to ask God to end the endless blood-letting in our land and help re-direct our leadership at all levels so they can put the country first in all they do.”
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In the same vein, Speaker of the House of Representatives Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila has urged Nigerian Muslims to imbibe virtues such as feeding the needy, being their brother’s keepers and prayers for peaceful coexistence that usually come with the month of Ramadan.
In a congratulatory message by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Lanre Lasisi, the Speaker further urged the Muslim faithful to pray fervently for an end to the COVID-19 pandemic that has been ravaging countries all over the world, including Nigeria.
“I bring to Nigerian Muslims warm greetings at this season of Eid-el-Fitr. It is a season of remembrance of the good things that the Almighty Allah has done in our lives.
“Unfortunately, this year’s Eid-el-Fitr will be celebrated low-key, not for our own making, but that is how our Creator wills it. That is why we all must return to Him in prayers to bring an end to this COVID-19 pandemic.
“I enjoin every Nigerian Muslim to be of good character and remain the best of examples, taking after the Holy Prophet (SAW). Let’s also pray for an end to insecurity and other challenges that we face as a nation,” the Speaker said.
Also, Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo state has commended the Muslims faithful for their resilience, dedication, patience and self-sacrifice in the face of the coronavirus pandemic challenge ravaging the global community.
He said this year’s Eid-el-Fitr ceremony which seemed “marred” by the Covid-19 has provided an opportunity for the Muslim faithful to reflect deeply on the awesomeness of God in the face of predicament and the need for mankind to subject themselves to the sovereignty of God Almighty.
In addition, Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa has urged Muslim faithful in Nigeria to extend the spiritual benefits of Ramadan, which are love, peace, and justice to their daily living and through this, contribute to the development of the nation.
“On behalf of my family, the government and people of Delta, I extend our warmest wishes to Muslims celebrating Eid-el-Fitr in Delta, Nigeria, and around the world. I congratulate all our countrymen and women who have successfully undertaken the month-long Ramadan fasting.
“As we celebrate Eid-el-Fitr, 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 with others, tolerance, honesty and dedication to duty will remain with us all for the benefit and greater glory of our dear nation.
“You are celebrating this year’s Eid-el-Fitr in an unusual atmosphere because of the Coronavirus pandemic ravaging the nations of the world.
·“We commend your courage and sacrifices in agreeing to celebrate and pray from your various homes as directed by his eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General, Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar.
“May the lessons and blessings of the Holy Month also permeate into us all and positively influence our attitudes towards our fellow countrymen and women, irrespective of religion or place of origin, and promote greater commitment to the peace, unity, and stability of the nation.
“I hope that the spiritual journey and celebration bring joy to all of your homes, both here in Delta, Nigeria and around the world,” Okowa stated.
Consequently, the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Uche Secondus, believes Nigeria needs to be rescued from failed leadership.
“Our refusal to allow the lessons of Ramadan influence our conduct is the reason we continue to suffer despite the lavish blessing from God to us as a nation,” Secondus said.
“The lessons of the last 30 days of fasting and prayer will be meaningless in our lives if the solemnness of the period does not influence our thoughts and actions in relating with one another.”