The Vice President of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima and Lagos State Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu have enjoined Nigerians to continue to pray for the leaders, for peace and stability of the nation.
They both made the call today at the 6th Maolud Nabiyy Celebration of the Jam’iyyat Ansariddeen (Attijaniyya) held at the Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos Island, Lagos.
The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu understands the burden of trust handed to him by Nigerians and the event provides an opportunity for all to reflect and pray for him as well as for all leaders in the country to lead the country to the promised land.
He added that the President is guided by his promise to protect the rights and freedom of all the citizens regardless of their beliefs in the diverse nation, saying “It is our duties to ensure that every Nigerian can practice their religion freely without fear or discrimination”.
The Vice President also said the federal government is committed to building a nation that upholds the rights of each citizen, recognizes the rights of each group and emphasises the essence of tolerance, calling on all Nigerians to join hands in the spirit of brotherhood and sisterhood on government determination to fulfil their obligation to the citizens.
While urging Nigerians to imbibe good practices and understand the consequences of intellectual, spiritual and moral capabilities, the vice president stressed that “We can only guarantee a change in our conditions, if we change that which is within us”. He noted that the condition in the country can only be better if the people change that which is within them.
Shettima therefore on behalf of the Federal Government commended the Jam’iyyat Ansariddeen Attijaniyya, for their support and prayer for the aspiration of Mr. President for peace and stability in the nation and for the good health of the leaders, which he described as a reminder of the essence of what happens when one takes on the path of righteousness and love for one another. He thanked them for their effort in promoting peaceful coexistence among the various religious communities in the country.
In his goodwill message, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by his Deputy, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat prayed for peace and tranquillity in the country and that the Almighty Allah grant the leaders of the country good health, wisdom and guidance to lead the country aright.
While pointing out that it is only in a peaceful and serene environment that the country and her citizens can experience even development politically, socially and economically, Sanwo-Olu noted that nothing can happen in a society where peace is lacking.
“We pray to Allah to grant us and our leaders long life, let peace in Nigeria and every state in the country as well as among our families”, the Governor said.
He, therefore, charged all to ensure a peaceful co-existence among themselves and always show love to one another and pray always for the leaders to lead them aright and the country to enjoy peace.
Earlier in his welcome remark, the President-General, JAM’IYYATU ANSARIDDEEN ATTIJANIYYA and 14th Emir of Kano, His Eminence, Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi II, stated that the Maolud celebration is a yearly event where members of the organisation gather to recite the Quran 4,444 times to pray for the stability and peace of the county and the protection of all Nigerians irrespective of religion, race or ethnicity.
Speaking further the President-General called on everyone including politicians, the business community, religious scholars, traditional rulers, and the people to focus on the ‘Project Nigeria’, and end the division in the country while coming together to rebuild the nation.
Commenting on the current situation in the country, Sanusi noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu took over the leadership of the country at a very difficult time and said it is time for Nigerians to come together behind the President and do away with politics and face governance squarely to move Nigeria forward.
While thanking the federal government, particularly President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the support accorded the organisation, Sanusi assured of the support and prayers of the organisation for the President, Governors, and other political office holders in Nigeria for direction to steer the country to a great destination and be able to initiate and implement policies that will move Nigeria forward.
He thanked and commended the Lagos State government for its hospitality and support in hosting the event in the State.
