Governors Ibikunle Amosun, Rauf Aregbesola and Abiola Ajimobi of Ogun, Osun and Oyo States respectively have congratulated Muslims in the country on the occasion of this year’s Eid-El-Kabir.
They also admonished Nigerians to shun acts capable of disrupting the unity, togetherness and peaceful co-existence of the country.
In his message to Islamic faithful, Ajimobi said that it was only in an atmosphere of peace and unity that the country could achieve the desired greatness.
Ajimobi, who spoke through his Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy, Mr. Yomi layinka, condemned what he called hate speeches and the ember of discord being stoked by ethnic agitators in some parts of the country.
From the benefit of the hindsight, he described the actions of the agitators as an ill-wind that would not blow anybody any good.
The governor said, “We cannot say we are brothers and sisters and still be carrying guns and matchetes against one another. What do we stand to benefit by killing and maiming ourselves?
“Whatever grievance anybody or any section may have should be expressed through proper channels and solutions sought through dialogue.
“Rather than engaging in acts capable of disrupting our peaceful co-existence as a people, I enjoin those who have issues with the current composition of the country to toe constitutional and lawful path in seeking redress. ’’
While congratulating Muslims, the governor urged them to use the occasion of the Eid-El-Kabir to pray for the peace, progress and economic emancipation of the country.
He also urged them to continue to exhibit love towards their fellow human beings and to dedicate themselves to service of humanity as exhibited by Prophet Ibrahim.
The governor further reiterated his administration’s resolve to the uplift of the state through massive infrastructural development and ensure that the state was put on a sound footing that would be the envy of all.
The Governor of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, on his part called on Muslim faithful in the state and Nigerian in general to use the occasion of Eid-el-Kabir to pray for peace, unity, prosperity and the stability of the state and country.
Aregbesola, in a statement by his Media Adviser, Mr. Sola Fasure, called on Nigerians of all faiths to join hands with the government of President Muhammadu Buhari in its determination to build a peaceful and harmonious country.
The Governor tasked adherents of Islam to imbibe the lessons of commitment, dedication and obedience to higher authority as was demonstrated by Prophet Ibraheem’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to the will of God which the Eid-El-Kabir commemorates.
He pledged his administration’s commitment to the welfare of the people of the state in the remaining period of his tenure, adding also that President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government will continue to do all it can to improve the living conditions of Nigerians.
He said political leaders and followers, religious leaders and their adherents; all must come together and forge a harmonious relationship for the love of their country, saying according to Prophet Muhammad (SAW), the love of one’s country is a very essential part of faith.
Quoting from the Holy Quran Q41 v 46 which says: ‘Whoever works righteousness benefits his own soul; whoever works evil, it is against his soul: nor is thy Lord ever unjust to His servants,’ Aregbesola said the pursuit of truth and justice at all times should be the watchword of those who hold the affairs of the nation in their hands.
He added that oppression, inequality, wrong-doing, defying right and justice, transgressing the boundary of God on earth are the bases of problems confronting the country, urging Nigerians, in the spirit of the festival, to rededicate themselves to the cause of serving their creator, country and humanity as a whole.
The statement said inter alia: “We should use the occasion to offer prayers to God for peaceful co-existence among different ethno-religious groups in the country.
“The celebration of this year’s Eid-el-Kabir must draw us closer to God than ever before as well as strife to avoid negative tendencies which could further compound our fragile socio-political and economic conditions to the limit.
We should stop the prevalence of hate speeches in the country and divisive acts and utterances that are threat to the corporate existence of the country.
“As Muslims, we are not to judge our fellow man. We should leave judgment to God who created us all. Why must people kill in the name of God? Why must people act God? Why must they preempt what their creator will do?
“Muslims must be tolerant, trustworthy, dependable and peace-loving wherever he lives. He must be a beacon of peace and sterling example of humankind worthy of emulation.
“People must put an end to violence, killing and mindless bloodletting all in the name of religions, and embrace peace and coexist peaceably amongst themselves wherever they reside, Aregbesola said.
He stressed that government at all tiers would continue to foster peaceful coexistence, national cohesion and stability in its march toward actualising the full potential of Nigeria.
He assured Nigerians of safety in all parts of the country, emphasising that security agencies had been directed to maintain peace and protect lives and property during and after the celebration.
The Governor wished all Nigerians a most rewarding and Happy Eid-el-Kabir celebration.
And from Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, enjoined Muslim faithful to demonstrate the virtue of selfless sacrifice as they celebrate the Eid-el-Kabir festival.
In a statement issued in Abeokuta, the governor said, while I join my Muslim brothers and sisters to celebrate this holy day, I urge you to reflect on the essence of the festival.
“Otherwise known as the “Festival of Sacrifice”, the Eil-el-Kabir presents an opportunity for us to reflect on the faith, with which Ibrahim (Abraham) willingly agreed to sacrifice his son and was set to let go of his personal belief, just in obedience to the command of Allah.
“With this, we should lay aside all forms of religious, ethnic and tribal sentiments, in the interest of unity, peace, progress and prosperity of not only ourselves but also the nation.
“Therefore, I call on all of us to ensure that as we celebrate, we should seek the face of Allah to be merciful unto us and as well heal our land. We should not relent in praying for wisdom, with which our leaders will see our nation through these challenging times”, the governor said.
Wishing all Muslims a happy Eid-el-Kabir celebration, Amosun urged them to do so in a state of piety as it is a solemn festival.
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