NAN-H-41
Utterances
Jos, Sept. 1, 2017 (NAN) Sheikh Khalid Abubakar, Chief Imam, Jos Central Mosque, has cautioned Nigerians against negative utterances that could cause mutual distrust leading to disaffection and disunity in the country.
Abubakar, who spoke with newsmen shortly after the eid prayers at the Central Mosque, Jos to mark the beginning of Eid-el Kabir festivities, advised Nigerians to live in peace and imbibe the spirit of tolerance.
“Nigerians need to be careful with their utterances, especially where they affect the unity of the country.
“The country has come a long way; our forefathers sacrificed a lot to keep us together in spite of our differences.
“Such sacrifices should not be made to be in vain; it is good for all of us to note that we shall be stronger as a nation if we lived together,” he said.
Abubakar advised Nigerians to channel their observations and complaints to the appropriate authorities instead of taking laws into their hands.
He urged youths to focus on key issues such as integration of the country and national security, rather than seeking to chase out non-natives from regions they currently reside in.
The cleric urged governments at all levels to to ensure peaceful co-existence among the people, noting that there would be no development without it.
“Security is the most important constitutional role of any government; without security, you will not be here.
“Without peace, no one can go to school. No one can work. In fact, we can’t do anything,” he said.
He also urged government to take a more critical look at the ailing economy and also continue to chase after those that had brought the countries to its knees by embezzling public resources.
The Imam also called on parents to monitor the activities of their wards and children, saying that the society was a reflection of individual families.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Eid-el Kabir celebration was peaceful in the Plateau capital, with security personnel posted to worship and recreation places to ensure that no ugly incident was recorded. (NAN)
ADY/ETS
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Edited by Ephraims Sheyin