The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, have felicitated with Nigerian Muslims on the celebration of the birthday of the Holy Prophet Mohammed.
Naija News reports that along with them, the National Chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, and the President of the Senate, Godwill Akpabio, also felicitated with the Muslim Ummah and wished Nigerians a wonderful Eid-el-Maulud celebration.
In their separate statements on Wednesday, they asked for peaceful coexistence and admonished Muslims to use the period to reflect and seek Prophet Mohammed’s intercession on the many challenges of the country.
In a statement signed by the CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, the association said, “As we commemorate this significant festival, we acknowledge Nigeria’s diverse society, comprising individuals from various ethnic, cultural, and religious backgrounds. It is within this rich diversity that our strength as a nation resides.
“Consequently, we must persist in promoting mutual respect, understanding and peaceful coexistence among all religious communities.
“Once more, on behalf of the Christian Association of Nigeria, I wish the Muslim faithful in Nigeria a peaceful celebration.”
On his part, Obi, in his goodwill message, enjoined Muslims to pray for lasting peace in the country and extend “brotherly love” to fellow countrymen and women.
He stated, “I heartily felicitate all the Muslim faithful in Nigeria as they celebrate the Eid-El-Maulud, to honour the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad. The ceremony once again provides us an opportunity for sober reflections as we seek the prophet’s intercessions for divine intervention on the many challenges facing our nation on all fronts.
“Nigeria has continued to contend with many challenges, some of which are obvious disunity among the people, extreme poverty, a high rate of unemployment, and a high level of insecurity.
“Let us, today, pray for lasting peace in our nation, and in keeping with the Holy Prophet’s teachings, continually extend brotherly love to our countrymen and women, especially the poor, in our midst irrespective of their tribe or religious beliefs.”
Ganduje, in the statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Edwin Olofu, called on Muslims to continue to support and pray for Tinubu as he tackles the economic and security challenges plaguing the country.
The APC national chairman noted, “Warmest wishes to you and your loved ones on this day. May Allah fill your heart with lots of joy, peace, and good health. Let us also use the occasion to pray for our country and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as he takes very bold steps to reposition the country on the path of growth and prosperity.
“The APC-led administration needs your support, understanding and, indeed, sacrifice to end the present economic downturn. This will engender our path to economic revival and rejuvenation of the well-being of all citizens. May Allah’s blessings light up the path that leads to happiness, peace, and success for you and your household. Happy Eid-El-Maulud.”
Akpabio, in his own statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, enjoined the Muslim Ummah to use the chance to intensify their prayers for the leadership of the country in such a critical time in the nation.
The Senate president said, “The occasion of the birthday of the Holy Prophet is a reminder to all adherents of the Islamic religion to rededicate themselves to prayerful support for those in authority and for the nation.
“Even more, it is an opportunity for every one of us to devote ourselves to uncommon godly citizenship and love for one another. It is time for everyone, whether Muslim or not, to accentuate the positive ambience of our nationhood towards the collective goal of renewed hope for all.”
He further advised the Muslims to emulate the positive marks on humanity that were left behind by the prophet.
