By Akeem Abas
Ibadan, June 14, 2018(NAN) As Muslims end the Ramadan fast, Gov. Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State and Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara have urged the faithful to pray for the unity and peaceful co-existence among all ethnic groups in the country.
Ajimobi and Ahmed made the calls in statements issued by their media spokespersons on Thursday.
Mr Bolaji Tunji, Ajimobi’s Special Adviser to the Governor on Communication and Strategy, said Ajimobi enjoined Muslims to imbibe the teachings of the Prophet Muhammed on the essence of Ramadan fast.
He congratulated Muslims on the successful completion of the month-long fast and urged them to embrace spiritual rebirth while praying that Allah accepts their supplications beyond the holy month.
The governor further urged them to shun divisive tendencies capable of drawing back the country’s wheel of progress.
“Since Ramadan fasting symbolises spiritual rejuvenation, it is expected that our Muslim brothers and sisters will continue to adhere to the teachings of Prophet Muhammed.
“Besides, it is important for us to move closer to Allah, even after the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations and eschew things that are against His will and commandment.
“ We should not be tempted to go back to sinful habits.
“Leaders in all the three tiers of government also deserve to be assisted with prayers so that they can lead us aright and move the country forward in all ramifications.’’
Ajimobi commended the spirit of oneness and peaceful co-existence among all religious adherents in the state.
He urged Muslims to sustain the tempo so that his administration could concentrate on its efforts at repositioning the state.
Similarly, Ahmed advised Muslims in Kwara to remain connected to the virtues of love, compassion and generosity.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Abdulwahab Oba, Ahmed urged the people of the state to be law-abiding and go about their lawful business peacefully as they celebrate Eid-el-Fitri.
He also enjoined Muslims to uphold the lessons of endurance, perseverance and piety that the holy month teaches.
“As we mark the end of the holy month of Ramadan, let’s remember and pray for our brothers and sisters who were unfortunate victims of the Offa robbery.
“Let’s remember their families, friends and associates in our prayers and generosity.’’
The governor also urged Nigerians to pray for a peaceful political transition in 2019.
He stressed the need for unity and commitment by all stakeholders as his administration worked to ensure equitable distribution of infrastructure and amenities across the state.
In Lagos, a lawmaker, Prince Adebisi Yusuff, on Thursdayadvised Muslims to guard against hatred and intolerance.
Yusuff, represents Alimosho Constituency I in the Lagos State House of Assembly.
He told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that hatred, arising from religious and ethnic differences had caused the nation much damage.
He said that doing good should not be reserved for the Ramadan period alone.
“If you are a true Muslim, you would not hate others. You are not a true Muslim if you hate Christians.
“Christians and Muslims have their Holy Books. We have been enjoined as Muslims not to reject any book given by God or the prophets of God.
“Intolerance is not written in any of the Holy Books. Any extremism in any religion is madness.
“Prophet Muhammad said that you should be good to 40 houses by your left, right, front and back; that means globally; you should be good to everybody.’’
“By the time you do your own and others do theirs, it would go round. There is no intolerance in any religion; anyone that does not tolerate others is not wise,” Yusuff said.
Meanwhile, Sheik Ibrahim Yusuf, Chief Imam of Central Mosque, Sabon-gari area of Bwari in the Federal Capital Territory, has advised Muslims to imbibe the act of consistent giving during and after the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations.
Yusuf told NAN that giving is a sign of love and care for one another, irrespective of one’s religious belief, adding that it is one of the lessons from Ramadan.
”You must relate well with your neighbours, live at peace and also extend a hand of fellowship to them.
”Give from now on and this does not only mean to your Muslim brethren alone but to all, because the holy Prophet Muhammad did not say to give to 40 Muslim neighbours but to 40 neighbours.
”This means non-Muslims inclusive.
According to him, Ramadan is a training ground for individual reformation, adding that those who participated in the religious exercise should practice and sustain the lessons learnt.
“A lot has been learnt and a lot has been forsaken during the period of Ramadan but it is not to forsake the bad things and return to them after the period is over.
“We are expected to be ambassadors of Islam.
Yusuf listed other lessons learnt from Ramadan as showing love for others, living at peace with neighbours and emulating the life of the Prophet in everyday living.
He also urged the entire citizenry to maintain peaceful co-existence with one another. Across the country. (NAN)
Reporters/GOM/IKU/OIF/NKO
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Edited by Nkechi Okoronkwo