MOSLEMS got yesterday a plea from the President and other leaders– they should pray for peace.
President Goodluck Jonathan, Senate President David Mark, and House of Representatives Speaker Aminu Tambuwal and All Progressives Congress (APC) leader Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu stressed the need for peace and tolerance.
Jonathan said: “As they undergo the rites of the Hajj in the Holy Land, and celebrate the Feast of Sacrifice here at home, I urge our Islamic faithful to offer special prayers for peace, harmony, unity, security and progress in our fatherland.”
“I also implore them, as always, to find time in the midst of the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations, to meditate on the immense benefits our nation can derive from a greater exhibition by its people of piety, honesty, selflessness, tolerance, peaceful co-existence with others, equity, fairness and justice for all, which are an integral part of the message of the Holy Prophet.”
Jonathan added: “My administration will continue to promote and encourage the teaching of these commendable virtues of Islam and our other religious beliefs in the knowledge that a greater manifestation of such virtues and ideals by our people will stand our country in very good stead as we strive to overcome the challenges of development and build a great nation.”
“My administration also remains fully committed to the implementation of measures and policies that will further promote and enhance national peace, stability and progress.”
On the national conversation, he said: “It is in keeping with that avowed commitment and my firm belief in the right to freedom of expression and the right of all people in a democracy to make choices on how they wish to live and be governed that I recently announced plans for an orderly national conversation on our problems and challenges. Those who continue to say that the initiative is diversionary or aimed at promoting certain political ambitions are in error.”
“Our sincere objective is to create an acceptable and workable platform for a national dialogue or conference that will help us to resolve the issues that still cause tension and friction in the polity, reinforce the ties that bind the country’s many ethnic nationalities and ensure that Nigeria’s immense diversity continues to be a source of strength and greatness.”
“Our desire is for the greatest possible majority of Nigerians to key into the process and agree on the best way forward for our dear nation.”
Dr. Jonathan went on: “We have been greatly encouraged in this regard by the very positive reaction of various national interest groups to the initiative and I seize the opportunity of this occasion to urge all other Nigerians to give their fullest possible support to this renewed effort to harness the efficacy of dialogue and consensus-building for the future well-being and progress of our beloved nation.”
“I assure all Nigerians that going forward, my administration will continue to give very focused and purposeful leadership to the nation. We remain committed to achieving significant improvements in the living conditions of all Nigerians through the diligent implementation of our agenda for national transformation.”
Mark urged Nigerians to close ranks and work together to make the country a peaceful and better place for all .
In a goodwill message to Moslems he reminded Nigerians that “we have more to gain by being together than otherwise”.
A statement by Mark’s Special Adviser (Media) Kola Ologbondiyan said he urged clerics of all faiths to preach oneness, peaceful co-existence, trust and love for fellow citizens.
The Senate President noted with pain the unabating security challenges facing the country and pleaded with all Nigerians to tackle the menace.
It quoted Mark to have remarked that “with the collective resolve and determination of all of us we can solve the problem and live like one big united nation where no one is oppressed or afraid of each other”.
“I believe that our size and diversity is our strength. God did not make mistake in putting us together in one country. We should, therefore, use our strength and God given potentials for good,” Mark said
It said that Mark noted that in spite of the challenges, Nigerians should have “unshakeable faith in the ability and capability of our people to overcome the obstacles saying that the problem of Nigerians can only be solved by Nigerians themselves.”
“That is why we must agree as a people to address our problems in an open, frank and honest manner because nobody is coming from the moon or space to solve our problems,” he added.
He said that the platform offered by the national conference or dialogue committee is a needed elixir and avenue to reconcile any misgivings.
He implored all Nigerians to take advantage of the National Conference to present their positions so that “we can continue to live in peace and united like a people with a common mission and purpose”.
Tambuwal urged Nigerians to redouble their efforts and work for the country’s unity and progress.
He said the Eid-el-Kabir celebration calls for repentance and forgiveness of one another especially now that the country is facing numerous challenges.
In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Malam Imam Imam, Tambuwal enjoined Nigerians to be steadfast in love to one another. He said that it is by so doing that we can be committed to what is just and right for our nation.
He urged Moslem to intensify their prayers for peace and admonished religious leaders to lead their followers properly so that they do not depart from the truth.
The Speaker assured that the National Assembly would continue to be guided by the wishes and aspirations of Nigerians in the onerous task of making laws for peace, unity and good governance of the Nation.
