State Governors on Sunday felicitated with Nigerians on the Eid-el-Fitr celebration.
The Governors advised Nigerians to live in peace and promote national integration and unity.
Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola implored citizens to put the country’s stability and progress at heart before taking decisions on matters of national interest.
Also in a statement, the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) congratulated all Muslims faithful on the successful completion of the Ramadan fast and also urges them to use the occasion to reflect on the lessons learnt during the period which are primarily premised on selflessness, sacrifice, patience, modesty and spirituality.
In the statement issued by National President, Comrade (Dr.) Bobboi Bala Kaigama and Secretary General, Comrade (Barr.) Musa-Lawal Ozigi, mni, TUC said: “We expect Nigerians across religious divide, to be patriotic and embrace the virtues of moderation, piety, regular supplication to Allah and being our brother’s keeper like we did in the past.
“We have a challenge at hand that has threatened the very existence of this country if it is not well managed. Just few days ago we were forced to hold a press conference because of the uncharitable statements from different quarters. Even the people we thought knew better have not lived up to their responsibility. Instead of seeking to contribute to the rebuilding of the nation with renewed vigour and honesty they make hate speeches.
“We must all retrace our steps and give peace a chance in the spirit of the Eid-el-fitri. No matter what the grouse is against the state, it can be resolved through constructive dialogue. The fasting we just concluded will be meaningless if we do not carry the lessons of the Holy month of Ramadan beyond the very month of the spiritual cleansing. We must forgive, eschew rancor,
Meanwhile, Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State on Sunday urged all Nigerians to continue to live in peace with one another irrespective of their religious or ethnic affiliations.
Mr. Obaseki made the call on Sunday when he received some Muslims in the state who paid him a Sallah visit at the Government House in Benin.
The governor particularly advised adherents of the Islamic faith to practice the lessons of Ramadan for peace to continue to reign in the country.
Mr. Obaseki, who was represented by his deputy, Philip Shaibu, said for a country to remain united, Nigerians, regardless of their religious leanings should protect the interest of their neighbours.
According to him, this is enshrined in the Holy Qur’an and the Bible which promote love for one another.
He called on Muslims in the country to adopt the Edo style of religious tolerance, where all citizens, irrespective of their religious beliefs, celebrate every festival as one people.
He also urged them to pray for those beating the drums of disunity to have a change of mind.
He said the calls for the break-up of the country could only lead to war which would not be in Nigeria’s interest.
Speaking at the Eid prayer ground in Ibadan to mark the end of Ramadan, Mr. Ajimobi, urged the people of the state to live peacefully with one another and ensure the country remained united.
Mr. Ajimobi, who was represented by Ishmael Alli, the Secretary to the State Government, said: “The symbol is specifically obedience and total supplications to Allah. Specifically, we must thank Him for all we are enjoying in the country.”
“We must all live in harmony in this country. We must remain a united Nigeria, likewise pray that Allah grant us abundance.”
He further urged all Nigerians to contribute immensely to the development of the country and prayed for the speedy recovery of President Muhammadu Buhari.
In his sermon, AbdulGaniyu Abubakri, the Chief Imam of Ibadanland, called on Muslims to learn from the lessons of Ramadan.
“We had in the last 29 days been closer to Almighty Allah in total obedience and supplications.
“As we have ended the Ramadan fasting, our people must continue with the good deeds.
“They should reflect on the lessons of the period and uphold its teachings,” he said.
Hazeem Gbolarumi, a former deputy governor in the state, urged Muslims to adhere strictly to the teachings of Ramadan.
He urged Muslims to remain steadfast in prayer and to submit totally to the will of Allah.
Also, Muhammad Magaji, the Aguma of Gwagwalada, Abuja, called on Nigerians to embrace peace and to show support to the federal government.
Mr. Magaji made the call at the end of the Edi-el-Fitr prayer on Sunday in Gwagwalada.
According to him, there is need to live in unity and harmony in order to move the nation and the economy forward.
“I want to emphasise the need for peaceful co-existence because it is the tool for achieving unity and progress as no nation can make progress without unity.
“I want us all to embrace and support the agenda of this government so that we can all benefit from it,” he said.
He urged adherents of the Islamic faith to practice the teachings of Ramadan, which he said underscored the virtues of tolerance, patience, kindness and peaceful co-existence with non-Muslims.
