The Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has called on the Moslem community in the state to use the celebration of the Eid-el-Maulud, birth of Prophet Mohammed, to advance the cause of religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
In a statement issued by the Special Assistant (Media) to the Rivers State Governor, Kelvin Ebiri, the governor said that his administration would continue to promote religious tolerance amongst all residents of the state.
Wike advised the Moslem faithful to imbibe the virtues of love, peace, communal living and honesty, which were qualities of Prophet Mohammed, in their daily lives.
While wishing the Moslem community a wonderful Eid-el-Maulud celebration, the governor urged them to always pray for the government and people of the state.
Similarly, as Muslims across the globe celebrate the 2020 Eid-el-Maulud, the Rivers State Deputy Governor, Dr. Ipalibo Harry Banigo has felicitated with the Muslim faithful in the state.
In a statement in Government House, Port Harcourt, last Wednesday, Banigo urged Muslims to continue to live peacefully with their Christian neighbours, noting that the Rivers State Government under the watch of Governor Nyesom Wike would continue to provide the enabling environment for all residents to have a sense of belonging, irrespective of clime or creed.
She wished all the Muslim faithful a happy celebration of Prophet Muhammed’s birthday.
Also, President Muhammadu Buhari, urged Muslims all over the world to embrace honesty, generosity and kindness during the celebration of Eid-el-Maulud.
The President made the call in a statement released via his official Twitter account, yesterday.
According to him, the celebration of the Eid-el-Maulud is a time to rededicate oneself to showing love and understanding to one another.
“As Muslims all over the world mark Eid-el-Maulud, I urge us all to use the occasion to rededicate ourselves to showing love and understanding to one another.
“I urge that we exhibit patience, honesty, sincerity, kindness and generosity in all our undertakings,” the President said.
However, the Northern Governors Forum urged Muslims in Nigeria to reflect on the virtues of love, tolerance, understanding and honesty as they join others all over the world to mark the Eid-el-Maulud celebration.
In a statement, Chairman of the forum and Governor of Plateau State, Simon Lalong, called on all Muslims to use the occasion and reflect on the virtues of love, tolerance and compassion as exemplified by the Holy Prophet.
Lalong also asked for sober reflection among Nigerians saying the current situation in the country calls for patience, understanding, honesty, sincerity, kindness and collaboration in overcoming various challenges.
He said the forum continues to crave the prayers of all Nigerians for wisdom and guidance to enable them serve the people with the best intentions and visionary programmes that would alleviate poverty and improve the living conditions of the people.
The governor called for calm from events of recent past, assuring that the government was doing all that is necessary to address the issues raised by Nigerian youths.
He appealed to the youths to resist the temptation of engaging in destruction properties which only retards development.
The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Diaspora Affairs, Rep. Tolulope Akande-Sadipe congratulated Muslims across the world, urging all to embrace peace.
Akande-Sadipe’s congratulatory message was contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Ibadan, yesterday by her Media Aide, Olamilekan Olusada.
She represents Oluyole Federal Constituency, Oyo State.
Akande-Sadipe called on Muslims across the country not to relent in their prayers for the unity and progress of the country, particularly at trying periods like being experienced.
She urged all Nigerians to emulate the peaceful and humble attributes of Prophet Muhammad, saying that such would guarantee a better country for all.
“As we celebrate in commemoration of the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, I wish our Muslim brothers and sisters across the world, especially those in my immediate constituency, Oluyole, a blessed celebration.
“Let’s preach peace. Let’s emulate the humility of Holy Prophet Muhammad and pray for the survival of our country.
“I urge you to avoid evil thoughts and sinful behaviour that may hinder our prayers as well as supplications onto Allah,” she said.
Akande-Sadipe said that Nigeria needed prayer to surmount the numerous challenges.
According to her, we need to concentrate on our faith through prayers, while seeking forgiveness and by being there for the needy around us.