Sallah: Governors of Cross River, Oyo States call for peaceful co-existence

The Governors of Cross River and Oyo States have called for peaceful co-existence in Nigeria.

They made the call during the Eid al-Fitr celebrations in their respective states.

The Governor of Cross River State in South-South, Nigeria, Ben Ayade said;

“I call on you, our dear Muslim brothers and sisters, who have been part of us in this state to embrace our mutual co-existence despite our diverse ethnic nationalities in the country, especially in our dear state, Cross River.

“Remember, divided we achieve nothing, but united we achieve all, even beyond our expectations. Let us, therefore, be closely knitted in brotherhood and love to advance the cause of unity and progress in our country especially as another political transition draws near.”

He urged Muslims to exhibit compassion, love and generosity as they join others across the world to mark the end of Ramadan.

Governor Ayade congratulated the Muslim community for successfully concluding the 30 days fast and urged them to imbibe the teachings of the Holy Prophet Muhammed.

“This is the time to show the virtue of love, compassion, unity and generosity, which the Holy Prophet Muhammed symbolizes and the holy month of Ramadan has taught.”

 “With prayers and supplications to God every problem is surmountable.”

Families adorned in beautiful attires were observed holding prayers at the Cultural Centre grounds, the Abraham Odia stadium within the University of Calabar and the Calabar Botanical Garden’s car park as well as the Nigerian Navy Parade grounds.

Oyo State 

In the same vein, the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, called for peace and unity while urging Nigerians to continue to place the interest of the country above every other interest.

“This is the climax, to show appreciation to God for keeping us till today. My message to Nigerians is for every one of us to continue to live in peace. We should pray for Nigeria and continue to live in peace and harmony, irrespective of our tribe and creed. We should make Nigeria first. The interest of Nigeria should supersede every other interest.”

Makinde, who also called for continuous prayers for the country while the people live in harmony, was represented by his Deputy, Rauf Olaniyan, shortly after observing the Eid al-Fitr prayers at the Agodi Prayer Ground, Agodi, Ibadan, on Monday.

The Governor enjoined them not to desist from praying for peace in Nigeria.

The Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheikh AbdulGaniyu Agbotomokekere, charged the Muslims to continue to reflect on the lessons of Ramadan, stressing that they should be conscious of their actions at all times.

Also speaking, the Accord Party Governorship aspirant for the 2023 elections, Saheed Ajadi, said being a leap year, the 2022 Ramadan fast is significant, “It is the first time in a long time that that the faithful fasted for 30 days, expressing optimism that the end of the fast would usher in peace and abundance for the people.

“I am sure that Nigeria will have a lot of blessings from this Eid al-Fitr that we are celebrating today because we know that the Almighty Allah has forgiven us all our sins. There will be a peaceful transition of government.

“My message to the people of Oyo State is that we should persevere. We should love each other, have mercy on each other and work hard because we must not depend on the government a hundred percent. We must think of what we can do with our hands. When you work with your hands, the Almighty Allah will put blessings to it.”

While moving around, Voice of Nigeria observed that Muslims gathered in different parts of the capital city, Ibadan, to observe the Eid prayers.

While there was a heavy security presence, some places also recorded heavy traffic gridlock while the prayers were ongoing.

Ebonyi State

Meanwhile, Muslim Clerics in Ebonyi State, South-East Nigeria have called for the strengthening of policies to tackle insecurity

The Chief Imams of Hossna Mosque in Abakaliki the state’s capital, Adamu Ishiaq and Labaran Muhammad of Central Mosque made this appeal at their Eid grounds marking the 2022 Eid al-Fitr.

They urged Nigerians to be law-abiding and obey the constitution of the country in the interest of national development.

Ishiaq charged citizens to steer clear of neglecting the laws of the country and accept the teaching of Allah.

“Nigeria’s government needs to devise more strategic measures to tackle the insecurity and hardship experienced in the country.

“We have left the teachings of the prophet Mohammed, that is why we are experiencing insecurity, killings, hunger among other challenges in the country now.”

Labaran Muhammad, the Chief Imam of Central Mosque in Ebonyi, also called for a more united Nigeria adding that unity, peace and equity could go a long way in nation-building.

Muhammad enjoined all citizens to always fear and obey God to bring development.

“We are celebrating the grace given for a successful Ramadan and anticipate a better Nigeria.”

 

 

 

PIAK