September 23, 2015 – Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Wednesday called on Muslims in Nigeria to imbibe the values of peaceful co-existence and brotherly love as they join their counterparts worldwide to celebrate this year’s Eid-el-Kabir.
In his goodwill message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Habib Aruna, Governor Ambode said since Islam preaches the message of peace and tolerance, every Nigerian should embrace brotherly love and harmonious co-existence.
He also enjoined Muslim faithful to pray for continued peace and tranquility in the state and the nation, especially in the North East.
While urging Muslims to shun religious extremism, which according to him, is a challenging development for the country, the Governor described those who hide under the veil of religion to perpetrate terrorism as being ignorant to the teachings of Islam as nobody can fight for God.
“You cannot fight to protect an authority that we owe our existence to or on behalf of one who is greater than the sum total of us,” he said.
He explained that the significance of the season should be beyond the festivities, rather it should be a moment to reflect on why God has united everyone with a common humanity of blood, food and water as these should constitute what binds the people.
“As we celebrate this auspicious occasion, therefore, let us renew our faith in our nation and implore the Almighty Allah to restore to us those values that place high premium on human life, love of neighbours and sharing even as we ventilate our faith in the unity of our dear country and the possibility of her taking her proper place in the comity of nations”, the Governor said.
He expressed appreciation for the support given to the present administration, and sought for the sustenance of the peaceful co-existence in the midst of diversity of ethnic origin and religion in the state.
While wishing all Muslim brothers and sisters in the State a happy Eid-el-Kabir celebration, Governor Ambode enjoined Nigerians in other parts of the country to take a cue from Lagos and continued to be their brothers’ keepers.
Meanwhile University of Lagos Muslim Alumni has called on the federal government to provide watertight security nationwide.
President of the group, Alhaji Akeeb Olusola Oyedokun in the Sallah message urged government to deploy enough security operatives to Sallah grounds and other fun centres during the period.
He said the need for 24-hour security for hitch free Sallah celebrations became imperative due to past experience when lives were lost to Boko Haram attacks.
According to him, the Muslim Ummah must reflect on the reason behind the Eid celebrations and avoid going beyond accepted norms during the celebrations.
The UMA President also enjoined those who can afford to perform the sacrifice to share with those who could not and the less privileged around them, to spread the spirit of festivity during the festival.
On the release of bail-out funds to states by the federal government, Oladokun stressed the need for measures to guard against diversion of the money.
He advised that this is the time for workers who have suffered for months due to lack of funds to pay their salaries to enjoy the fruits of their labour.
