The Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu; his Cross River State counterpart, Ben Ayade; and the Peoples Democratic Party have called on Nigerian Muslims to embrace peace.
They made the call in their separate statements issued on Sunday to celebrate the 2022 Eid-el-Maulud which marks the birth of Prophet Muhammed (Peace Be Unto Him).
Sanwo-Olu, in a message by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Gboyega Akosile, said, “Today, I join millions of people around the world to wish our Muslim brothers and sisters in Lagos State and in Nigeria Happy Maolud Nabiy, which marks the birth of Prophet Muhammad.
“I want to urge Nigerians, especially Muslims to seize the opportunity to strengthen their love towards one another and make the society a better place by shunning tendencies that could tamper with the unity and stability in the country.
Let us continue to pray and work for peace of our dear state, Lagos, and Nigeria, especially as we prepare for the forthcoming 2023 general elections. Let us do everything within our best to eschew violence and acts inimical to our democracy.
Ayade, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Christian Ita, urged the Muslim faithful to be ambassadors of peace, and tranquillity and to emulate the great examples and legacies of the Holy Prophet.
The governor said, “On behalf of the government and good people of Cross River State, I join the Muslim faithful, especially in Cross River, to celebrate the anniversary of the birth of Prophet Muhammed.
“We remain committed to a peaceful Nigeria despite our challenges. Please let us continue to be our brothers’ keepers which is the focal agenda of this administration.”
In the same vein, the PDP urged Nigerians to utilise the occasion of the Eid-el Maulud to end all forms of divisiveness and acrimony and embrace a new beginning by rekindling the virtues of love, kindness, forgiveness, tolerance, and peaceful co-existence.
The party’s message was contained in a statement by its spokesperson, Debo Ologunagba.
Our party charges Nigerians to use the occasion to pray for divine intervention in the country especially as the nation prepares for the 2023 general elections.
“The PDP also calls on those behind the mindless killings, banditry and other forms of violence to use the occasion to turn a new leaf and end their acts of hostility against humanity,” the statement read.
Meanwhile, the Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, has also urged the Muslims to be tolerant.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Osaigbovo Iguobaro, the monarch noted that tolerance is needed to foster unity among adherents of different religions irrespective of race, tribe and party affiliation.
Similarly, the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, called on the Muslim faithful to imbibe the redeeming virtues of Prophet Muhammed to live impactful lives for which they would be remembered.
He made the call when the state government hosted the Muslim community in the state to a banquet to mark this year’s Eid-el-Maulud in Government House, Yenagoa, at the weekend.