By Onome Oghenetega
Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State and 2023 governorship hopeful, Olorogun Kenneth Gbagi, have called on Nigerians to continue to pray for the country and members of the armed forces to win the war against insurgency and other security challenges currently confronting the country.
The duo made the call in two separate statements while felicitating with Nigerian Muslims on the Eid-el-Fitr celebration.
They also called on Muslims, Christians and traditionalists in the country to live together and tolerate one another irrespective of their religious differences in the interest of peace and development of the country.
Governor Okowa in a goodwill message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, urged people of different faiths especially Muslims and Christians in the country to close rank and fervently pray for Nigeria’s unity and togetherness.
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He urged Nigerians to have full recourse to God for solution to the worsening insecurity in the country.
The governor, while calling on Muslims to emulate the virtues of the Holy Prophet Muhammed, urged them to extend the spiritual benefits of Ramadan – love, peace and justice – to their daily living to better the country.
“On behalf of my family, the government and people of Delta, I extend warmest wishes to Muslims celebrating Eid-el-Fitr in Delta, Nigeria and around the world.
“I congratulate His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General, Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar and all our countrymen and women who have successfully undertaken the month-long Ramadan fasting.
“It is my hope and prayer that Ramadan’s spiritual lessons and the Holy Prophet’s teachings of piety, love, justice, fairness, equity, peaceful co-existence, tolerance, honesty and dedication to duty will guide our interactions and daily living,’’ Okowa said.
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In a similar statement, a frontline 2023 governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, Olorogun Gbagi, said it will be in the interest of all Nigerians if the Nigeria remained as one indivisible country.
Gbagi, a reputed business mogul, stated this in a statement issued on Wednesday by his Media Assistant, Kenneth Orusi.
He charged Muslim faithful in the state and Nigerians in general to extend the spiritual benefits of Ramadan, which are love, peace and justice to their daily living and through this, contribute to the development of the nation.
“I felicitate with all Nigerians, especially our Muslim brothers and sisters on the auspicious occasion of this year’s Eid-el-Fitri celebration. I congratulate all of our countrymen and women who have successfully undertaken the purifying Ramadan fast.
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“As we celebrate Eid-el-Fitri, it is my hope and prayer that Ramadan’s spiritual lessons and the Holy Prophet’s teachings of love, justice, fairness, equity, peaceful co-existence with others, tolerance, honesty and dedication to duty will remain with us all for the benefit and greater glory of our dear nation.
“As Muslims celebrate Eid across Nigeria, it is important to remind Nigerians of the importance of respecting those of all faiths and beliefs.
“May the lessons and blessings of the Holy Month also spread to all of us, and positively influence our attitudes towards our fellow countrymen and women, irrespective of religion or places of origin; and promote greater commitment to the peace, unity and stability of the nation”, Gbagi stated.
