Buhari, governors urge Nigerians to promote love, others

Borno relaxes curfew in Maiduguri 

AS Muslims begin the 2015 Ramadan fast, President Muhammadu Buhari and governors have appealed to Nigerians to pray for the return of peace, love and prosperity throughout the country.

In a congratulatory message released on his behalf by the Senior Special Assistant (Media and Publicity), Garba Shehu, President Buhari implored Muslims to seek maximum benefits from the Ramadan period “by being helpful to all manner of people, learning and following the true message of the religion as taught by the Holy Prophet.

” The President in his message directed an appeal to the perpetrators of violence and destruction in the name of Islam all over the world to desist from tarnishing the name of the religion.

“As we make collective efforts to bring to a permanent end the menace of the Boko Haram in the Lake Chad basin countries, let me use this auspicious occasion to appeal to our misguided brothers to drop their arms, embrace peace and seek a better understanding of Islam during this Holy period and beyond,” Buhari said.

The President prayed to Allah to bring peace and harmony to all parts of the country and the world at large. In Ilorin, Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed called on Moslems to use the season to pray for speedy economic recovery and growth in the country.

In a statement through his Chief Press Secretary, Abdulwahaab Oba, Governor Ahmed said the country seems to be experiencing unusual economic and security challenges that require concerted efforts and prayers from everyone to get it back on track.‎

Ahmed implored Moslems to use the season to pray fervently for national unity, religious harmony and re-energising of national economy. “

At a time like this when our state, and indeed our country is passing through dire economic challenges due to the slump in national earnings, national rebirth through good governance, ‎God’s intervention in guiding our leaders in rejuvenating the economy and rebirth is crucial,” the governor said.

He advised true followers of Islamic faith to see the fasting period beyond abstinence from food,‎ but as another opportunity for enhanced generosity and spirituality.

Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose has reiterated the need for Muslims in the country to use the period to offer prayers for the peaceful co-existence of the country, urging them to give their minds and hearts to teachings by Islamic scholars at this period.

Governor Fayose, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Idowu Adelusi, said that the great Prophet of Islam, Muhammad (PBUH), described Ramadan fasting as a shield against vices and noted that it was important for Muslims to assist the country with prayers at this period.

He said; “Fasting as one of the five pillars of Islam should not be just a period for abstaining from food and drink, the period should also be used to make greater sacrifice by praying fervently for the country.”

The governor called on Muslims in the country, especially those in Ekiti State to open their minds to sermons by Islamic scholars during the period, saying; “During this 30 days fasting period, the Holy Quran will be read, Hadith (Actions and sayings of the Holy Prophet) of the Holy Prophet and Tesfir (Sermons of knowledgeable scholars) will be listened to, it is my plea to our Muslim brothers and sisters to open their hearts and minds to the Tesfir of the Holy Month of Ramadan and allow themselves to be guided by them.”

Meanwhile, Borno State Government yesterday relaxed the curfew to 9.30pm after a security meeting with the military and other security agencies at the Government House, Maiduguri to mark the Ramadan fast. Governor Kashim Shettima in state broad announced that based on the decision taken at the Security Council meeting, the curfew has been reviewed to 9.30pm, instead of the usual 7p.m.-6a.m.

“As from tomorrow (today) the curfew was relaxed to 9.30pm, instead of the daily 7p.m.-6a.m. restrictions of movements in Maiduguri metropolis. This review of curfew gives our people to move around and within the metropolis only.

“Let me make very clear that all the five entry points into Maiduguri remained closed, because some people will think that with the curfew review, they could drive in and out of this metropolis before or at 7p.m. during the Ramadan fast period. The truth of the matter was that security is the business of everyone.

Once it is 7p.m., the entry points into Maiduguri remains closed, until 6a.m. the following morning.” He said the curfew relax was to enable the people move freely during the Ramadan to up to 9.30p.m. for the next 29 or 30 days, without any restrictions of fears.

Shettima also called on the people to fully co-operate with the military and other security agencies during the Ramadan fast. Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong urged the Muslim Ummah in the State to use the 30-day period to pray for peace, progress and development of the State.

He noted the challenge of the dwindling economic fortunes amidst the growing needs and expectations of the people for which the Ramadan provides a wonderful opportunity for pious prayers.