Eid-el-Fitri: Ambode, Speaker Obasa, NURTW boss preach peace, forgiveness

The Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, on Monday called on Nigerians to pursue the cause of a peaceful and prosperous Nigeria where citizens, regardless of ethnic, religious, political or social status can flourish.

Mr. Ambode, in his Eid-el-Fitri message said it was only by embracing peace, unity and fairness that Nigerians could put the country back on the path of growth and development.

“As we celebrate this auspicious occasion, therefore, let us renew our faith in our nation and implore the Almighty God to restore to us those values that place high premium on human life, love of neighbour and sharing,” Mr. Ambode said a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Habib Aruna.

“In this all important crusade to rescue our dear country from socio-economic as well as political quagmire, let us all continue to demonstrate those sterling virtues of harmonious and peaceful co-existence as well as willingness to serve in this melting pot of cultures where the multi-ethnic and multi-religious nature of our country is turned into a source of strength.”

Governor Ambode also thanked Lagosians for their continued harmonious and peaceful co-existence in the midst of diverse ethnic origin and religion.

“With your demonstration of love for your neighbour and the willingness to serve, our State has continued to be a model of what patriotic Nigerians will want our dear country to be.

“When peace reigns in the land, we can achieve whatever it is that we want to achieve. Infrastructural development can only be carried out in an atmosphere of peace and respect for our political and ethnic differences,” he said.

Governor Ambode wished all Muslims in the State a happy Eid-el-Fitri celebration, just as he enjoined Nigerians in other parts of the country to continue to be their brothers’ keepers.

In his statement, Mudashiru Obasa, the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, urged Muslims to imbibe the spirit of forgiveness and be ambassadors of peace to their fellow Nigerians.

Mr. Obasa, in his Ed-el-Fitri message, signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Musbau Razak, praised the sacrifice and spiritual commitment of all Nigerians, with particular reference to Muslims throughout the fasting period.

‘‘I congratulate all Nigerians, especially my Muslim brothers and sisters for their perseverance, sacrifice and spiritual commitment during the fasting,” he said.

“It is hoped that sacrifices made will transform to making us ambassadors of peace in our individual and collective endeavours to others and Nigeria as a country.”

The significance of the fasting, according to the Speaker, thrives on the ‘‘threshold of sacrifice, assisting the less privileged, feeding the poor and forgiveness’’.

‘‘If we are forgiven by God, we also hold it as a responsibility to forgive one another. This is when our prayers and fasting can be accepted by Allah, the Lord of forgiveness.”

Mr. Obasa said at this point of decline in the nation’s economy, good believers should employ the lessons of Ramadan in their daily dealings and stay benevolent even after this season.

He also advised they neglect negative calls to trigger trouble in the country through religious extremism, adding that Islam preaches peace and anything contrary is not of Allah.

Also, Tajudeen Agbede, the Chairman of National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Lagos State chapter, called on Muslims all over the world, and Lagosians in particular to pray for peace and be security conscious during the Eid-il-Fitr celebration.

Mr. Agbede said Allah had used this Holy month of Ramadan as blessing for Muslims all over the world.

The NURTW boss said Lagosians should alert security agencies if they noticed any suspicious person around their area.

“We NURTW Lagos State chapter has beef(ed) up security around our various parks to ensure safety of our people,” Mr. Agbede said

“We enjoin our Muslim brothers and sisters to pray for peace and unity during the celebration.”