Dickson, Sanwo-Olu admonish tolerance, sacrifice, peace

As Muslims celebrate this year’s Eid-el-Kabir, Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson has stressed that religious tolerance remains a key factor for peace and unity in the country.

In his Eid-el-Kabir message released through the state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Daniel Iworiso-Markson in Yenagoa yesterday, the governor said every religion should work towards promoting peace and tolerance.

While congratulating all Muslims, Governor Dickson urged them to use the occasion to also pray for Nigeria and its leaders, stressing that Muslim faithful should continue to live in peace with other religious adherents.

He also enjoined Muslims in Bayelsa to pray for his administration to finish well and strong, as well as pray for a peaceful transition period.

Governor Dickson equally enjoined Muslims in the state to give the same support he has enjoyed from them to his successor to maintain their harmonious relationship with the government.

Meanwhile, wife of Lagos State Governor, Dr. (Mrs.) Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, yesterday implored Lagos residents and Nigerians to learn from the essence of Eid-el-Kabir by making sacrifices to strengthen ties of friendship and help the needy.

Speaking at the state government’s 2019 Eid-el-Kabir celebration, Sanwo-Olu asked Nigerians to remember the teachings of Prophet Muhammad, which emphasise togetherness, promote goodness and stress that separation causes misery.

She, therefore, enjoined residents to make small sacrifices and give up certain things that are fun or important to them.

“A true Muslim is one who submits completely to the Lord, willing to follow Allah’s commands completely and obediently. It is this strength of heart, purity in faith and willing obedience that our Lord desires from all of us.

“The sacrifice of today reflects that we submit ourselves to God and prepare ourselves for other sacrifices. Sacrifice is not only confined to our wealth and cattle, but it involves everything, including our lives,” she added.

Responding, National Amir of The Muslim Congress, Dr. Lukman Abdulrahim, who was guest speaker, stressed the four golden lessons that could be drawn from the holy prophet.

He said, “The prophet had sound faith in Allah despite that he lived in a morally bankrupt society. He submitted to the will of God; engaged in nation building by promoting duty conscious society instead of a right conscious society, and was hospitable as he warmly received all known and unknown visitors.

Former governors of the state, Ndubuisi Kanu, his wife, Alhaji Lateef Jakande and his wife, Deputy Governor, Dr. Olufemi Hamzat, his wife, top government functionaries, as well as party leaders and members attended the event.