Muslims have been urged to use the celebration of Eid-el-Fitr (also called Sallah) to rededicate themselves to the virtues of the faith in love, good neighbourliness, and peaceful co-existence.
The plea came from the following religious and political leaders:
President Muhammadu Buhari
“Although we have come to the end of this year’s month of Ramadan, I believe that a greater acceptance by Nigerians of its key lessons of self-denial and sacrifice will serve our dear country well as we strive to overcome our present challenges, undo the damage done by years of bad governance and accelerate the pace of national development.
“Reviewing our dire circumstances and the many missed opportunities of the past, some commentators and observers have said that this is Nigeria’s last chance to get its act together and finally begin to fulfill its God-given potential for greatness.
“While not going that far, I certainly believe that now, more than ever before, our country needs greater self-denial, sacrifice and patriotism from all of its citizens, if we are to quickly recover from our numerous problems and start moving in a positive direction.
“This current period of our life as a nation offers us a great opportunity to break from the vicious triangle of insecurity, corruption and under-development. We must collectively resolve to seize this opportunity and unite to confront our problems.
“I remain wholly committed to giving the required leadership towards undoing the wrongs of the past, ensuring that Nigeria truly begins to unlock its great potential and that the benefits of our immense national resources are shared and enjoyed by all, not just by successive cabals of corrupt leaders and their cronies.
“I was very aware of your high expectations when I assumed office and I reassure you, my fellow citizens, that since my inauguration on May 29, this year, I have been working with utmost dedication to meticulously plan and tackle the many national challenges which we identified and promised to resolve.
“To succeed, however, I need your continued support, understanding and patience.
“I fully understand and share the thirst of my long-suffering compatriots for corruption-free government institutions that work efficiently to deliver visible development for the benefit of all citizens.”
“I also share the feelings of those who think that we should be moving faster. But I urge them and all Nigerians to trust that my commitment to real and positive change in our nation is as firm as ever.”
Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole
“Muslims should exhibit the true spirit of peace and love in their daily dealings with men of all faith. Islam as a religion of peace abhors violence in whatever guise.
“I congratulate the Muslim Ummah on the success of this year’s Ramadan and urge them to inculcate the lessons learnt during the Ramadan fast to positively impact on their neighbours and the larger society.
“I rejoice with the Muslim Ummah as it has pleased Almighty Allah to see us through the Holy month of Ramadan.
“Having observed strictly the injunctions of Almighty Allah by self-denial through fasting and prayers and by offering Zakat to the less-privileged, I urge the faithful not to forget the lessons learnt, to wit, the spirit of piety, alms-giving, of compassion and love for fellow men.”
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar
“One of the basic components of Ramadan fasting is to seek the mercy of God to forgive us our sins, and thus it becomes imperative for us as humans to extend the grace of forgiveness and common understanding to other human beings as well.
“Being good Muslims requires that we follow the examples of Prophet Mohammed who was always quick to forgive those that transgressed against him and lived a life of building common understanding among people.
“At a time such as now when Nigeria is at the threshold of a new beginning, it is important that all hands are on deck and old gaps are closed in order to support the new political leadership.”
Former Abia State Governor, Ogbonnaya Onu
“Nigerians should rededicate themselves to the enduring attributes of love for one another and a more robust resolve to strengthen those bonds that unite as well as bridge the gaps that divide them as one people in one nation with a common destiny.
“At all times, it should be borne in mind that as a people, regardless of differences in either religious beliefs or ethnic origin, we must remain bound together in the pursuit of a common resolve, especially in the challenge of building a better and a more united nation, where though tribe and tongue may differ, in brotherhood we should continue to stand.”
Technical Aid Corp Chairman, Pius Osunyikanmi
“Muslims should sustain the lessons of piety, steadfastness, love, tolerance, perseverance in the month of Ramadan beyond the sacred month to enhance the well being of the nation.
“When such virtues are sustained, the nation’s lost glory would be restored. Irrespective of our religious divide we must come together to recognise the significant of Ramadan and translate that to positive improvement of our society.
“The Muslim faithful should not to use the festival for merry making but to reflect on how the nation can overcome insecurity, corruption and other issues threatening its corporate existence and impeding socio-economic and political emancipation.
“Muslims should use the period to pray for the peace and stability of the nation, as no country or society can witness accelerated socio economic transformation in an atmosphere of rancour and acrimony.”
Former Lagos State Governor, Bola Tinubu
“The change we (Nigerians) desire as promised by the APC (All Progressive Congress) requires our collective effort to make it a reality.
“We must, individually and collectively, make sacrifices where necessary to help the APC leadership move Nigeria on the right path of development and growth.
“The Muslim faithful should not depart from the attitude of prayer, supplication and sacrifice for the country.
“I commend them for the discipline and purity of the past 30 days, and believe that Allah has recognised their devotion and will bless Nigeria and bring solutions to its problems.
“God has given us another opportunity at greatness and at getting things right. Not many nations have this same chance Nigeria has and we must all work to make the change we so desire.”
Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode
“We are all members of one nation and in spite of our diversity; we are bound by a common humanity.
“Muslims should see the Eid-el-Fitri not as a period for mere festivity but as one of deep spiritual devotion and rededication to the values of humility and respect for the dignity of human life.
“The month of Ramadan is intended to teach us how to live good and compassionate lives. It is a month of sacrifice, abstinence and above all, love. In that respect, I encourage us to be our neighbour’s keeper.
“Look out for your neighbour in the firm belief that he too will look out for you.”
Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun
“Nigeria will overcome its current challenges and emerge a strong, united and prosperous nation.
“The attributes of self-discipline, compassion, brotherliness and patriotism exhibited during the holy month of Ramadan, if sustained, will bring within our reach and attainment the dreams of our founding fathers for a united and prosperous nation.
“The Muslim faithful should be in the vanguard of the campaign for peaceful coexistence among Nigerians and respect for the sanctity of life. Islam is a religion of peace.”
Kwara State Governor, Abdulfatah Ahmed
“I urge Nigerians, irrespective of religious beliefs, to imbibe the lessons of Ramadan. Greed and selfishness are the causes of Nigeria’s socio-political, economic and security problems.
“If Nigerians demonstrate the kind of compassion and love for one another as displayed during the holy month of Ramadan, Nigeria will surmount its numerous challenges and become a role model to other nations.
“Muslims should see Eid-el-Fitri not just as a period for mere festivity but as one of deep spiritual devotion and rededication to the values of humility and respect for the dignity of human life.”
Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong
“Islam preaches peace and peaceful coexistence, hence it is mandatory for all its adherents to work for peace and commit themselves to community vigilance that would aid the security operatives to fish-out all agents of Boko Haram and other terrorists from the country.
“Peace and good neighbourliness is a commandment of the holy book, the virtues of which must have been restated in the lessons of the Ramadan for the good of society.”
Former Ogun State Governor, Gbenga Daniel
“Muslims should keep up with the virtues gained during the Ramadan period which included piety, patience, tolerance, perseverance, humility, self-denial and service to humanity.
“They should embrace the spirit of love, forgiveness and brotherhood preached by Islam and other religions.”
