Ambode canvasses tolerance, peaceful co-existence

• Oshiomhole urges Muslims to pray for governorship election

Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode has called on Muslims in the state to see this period as a time to promote culture of religious tolerance and peaceful co-existence.

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Habib Aruna, the governor said the commencement of Ramada should be seen as an opportunity to learn self-restraint, sacrifice, piety and love.

He said this was in line with the admonition of the Holy Quran, Chapter 2 Verse 183, which says, “Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you so that you can learn self restraint (Piety).”

The governor urged Muslims to take the opportunity of this holy month to promote the culture of tolerance to each other’s religion and feeling, especially mutual respect for the people of diverse ethnic nationalities.

“At this critical period of rebuilding our nation and ensuring that the change we promised is delivered, the lessons of the Holy month of Ramadan must permeate all of our actions and deeds, in such a way that each person must act as his brother’s keeper at all times,” the governor added.

In Edo State, Governor Adams Oshiomhole, urged the Muslim Ummah to use the holy month of Ramadan to offer prayers for the continued peace in the state and success of the governorship elections holding later in the year.

In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Peter Okhiria, the governor said the period offers the faithful the opportunity to reconnect to their maker.

“I appeal to the Muslim community to offer special prayers for the continued peace and progress in the state and for the peaceful conduct and success of the gubernatorial election holding later in the year.

“In Edo State, I am proud to say the Muslim faithful have been exemplary in word and action in exhibiting that, truly, Islam is a religion of peace, “ he added.

He congratulated them as they begin the fasting, “which is one of the five pillars of Islam, saying the Ramadan offers the faithful the opportunity to undertake personal restitution, piety and renewed commitment to Allah.”

He also urged them to continue to do good to all men, especially the less privileged.