Ramadan: Nigerian Leaders Call for Prayers and Unity Amid Hardship

As the holy month of Ramadan commences, Nigerian leaders, including the Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, and state governors, have called on Muslims to pray for the unity of the country and for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to tackle the numerous socio-economic and security challenges.

In separate messages, these leaders urged wealthy individuals and groups to support the needy during and after Ramadan, in line with the teachings of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

They also stressed the importance of religious tolerance and kindness, particularly during the holy month.

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) appealed to wealthy Muslims to provide food for poor citizens, regardless of their religious backgrounds.

They also urged Muslims to use the spiritual power of Ramadan to pray for the defeat of Boko Haram and other terrorist groups.

Presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in last year’s election, Peter Obi, called for the embrace of the spirit of Ramadan with open hearts and unwavering faith, praying for peace and other blessings.

Governors across the country approved special Ramadan gifts, such as half salary payments and financial assistance for workers, pensioners, and local government employees.

They urged the Muslim faithful to foster good neighborliness, kindness, and obedience to laws aimed at achieving orderliness in society.

In his message to the Muslim faithful, Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State emphasized the importance of showing love and compassion to all, particularly during the holy month.

Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, called for collective efforts in addressing security and economic challenges, while Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, called for steadfast prayers for the state and the nation.

Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, acknowledged the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and state governors to address the current difficulties and expressed concern over the alarming increase in abductions of vulnerable citizens.

He called on Nigerians to remain vigilant, cooperate with security forces, and report suspicious activities.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) called on those behind the unending insecurity and other vices confronting the country to use the period of Ramadan for sober reflection and to mend their ways.

In a related development, the Muslim Council of Nigeria (MCON) organized a sensitization program for Islamic scholars in Kaduna, urging them to uphold the dictates of the Holy Qur’an and the teachings of Prophet Muhammed as guidelines during their preaching.

They also stressed the need for collective efforts and cooperation among scholars to ensure the success of the program and to avoid using social media platforms to attack one another.