Jonathan Felicitates with Muslims, Calls for Special Prayers

Eid-el-Maulud: Amosun: Let’s set aside our differences

President Goodluck Jonathan has felicitated with Muslims across the country as they join their counterparts around the world to commemorate Eid-el-Maulud today.

Also, Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun has urged the Muslim Umah to use the opportunity of the holiday to reflect on the state of the nation and preach peace as exemplified by the life and teachings of the Holy Prophet.

The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, said this is in a statement in Abuja yesterday made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

President Jonathan, according to Abati, urged all adherents of Islam in the country to use the occasion to offer special prayers at Jumat (Friday worship) for the success of the forthcoming general elections.

He said: “The president reassures Muslims and all other Nigerians that the federal government will do all within its powers to ensure that the general elections in February are credible and violence-free.

“Jonathan believes that this is essential to ensure that Nigeria remains politically stable and continues on a steady path to the fulfillment of its peoples’ collective vision of a strong, united and prosperous nation.”

Abati said that President Jonathan called on Muslims to seize the opportunity of the New Year and Eid-el-Maulud holidays to deeply reflect on the need for greater application of the prophet’s teachings.

Meanwhile, Amosun, in a message by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mrs Olufunmilayo Wakama, reiterated the need for continued prayers and peaceful coexistence as we approach the 2015 general election.

“It is only in an atmosphere of peace that we can be joyous, therefore, we must learn to live in peace with one another. The life and teachings of the Holy Prophet typified peace, just as Islam is a religion of peace. Amosun, who wished the Muslim Umah a rewarding and peaceful celebration, noted that as the various political parties begin their campaigns in preparation for the general elections, people need to set aside their differences and vote in the right candidates at all levels. “I urge our people to vote in the right candidates at all levels, setting aside ethnic and religious sentiments. As for us in the All Progressives Congress (APC), we would continue to deliver the dividends of democracy to our people” he added.