Muslims have been urged to pray for the peace and unity of Nigeria as they join others around the world to observe the Holy month of Ramadan.
The Governor of Cross River State, Professor Ben Ayade urged Muslims to pray for Allah’s intervention as the country intensifies efforts to tackles myriads of challenges.
Governor Ayade congratulated Muslims on the commencement of Ramadan fast, which he described as a period for sober reflection and introspection.
Avoid wrangling
He called for peaceful coexistence of all Nigerians devoid of ethno-religious wrangling, noting that Allah has a reason for bringing together peoples of diverse cultures and religions to form a country.
“The month of Ramadan is sacred and holy. It is also a month of sober reflection and introspection. I therefore, call on the Muslims to use this holy month to seek God’s intervention in the myriad of challenges facing our country. God did not make a mistake bringing peoples of diverse cultures and religions to form a country. He has a reason for doing so,” he stated.
Governor Ayade appreciated the Muslim community in the state for its unflinching support to his administration and promised to join in the breaking of Fast soon.
“In Cross River State, I am looking forward to a day during the fasting period when I will sit down and break the fast (Iftar) with the Muslim community leaders, who have contributed immensely to the social, political and economic development of our dear state.
“Cross River State is an example of a state where there is cohabitation among diverse people- religion, ethnic and tribes. There are over twenty Muslims holding important political positions in our government. This goes to show that in Cross River, competence is placed above primordial, ethnic and religious sentiments,” the governor added.
Confidence Okwuchi
