Maulud peaceful as CAN, Obi, govs preach love, peace, unity

EID-EL-MAULUD, the commemoration of the birth of Prophet Mohammed, was peaceful across the country, yesterday, just as the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Peter Obi and some state governors charged Muslims and other Nigerians to pray for the country and promote peaceful coexistence and unity.

President of CAN, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, urged Muslim faithful to imbibe the teachings of the Prophet and pursue peace and justice for a more United and prosperous Nigeria. He called on Nigerians to use the opportunity provided by celebration to renew their commitment to fostering love and understanding among all citizens.

In his message, yesterday, in Abuja, Okoh noted that the occasion offers an opportunity to reflect on the values of peace, compassion and unity that the prophet exemplified and to apply them in their daily lives.

Okoh appealed to political leaders to prioritise policies that would alleviate the suffering of the people and ensure justice and equity for all, adding that through good governance and transparent leadership, “we can restore hope and confidence in our nation’s future.” He implored religious leaders to promote tolerance and coexistence as well as encourage their communities to engage in acts of kindness and support for one another, particularly the less fortunate.

Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general election, reiterated the importance of unity and compassion in light of the ongoing challenges faced by the nation. In his message, Obi acknowledged that the 2024 celebration was happening during severe hardship for many citizens.

“Across Nigeria, millions are experiencing economic difficulties, a lack of basic healthcare, and the disturbing reality of more children being thrown out of school,” he said.

The pressing issues, Obi added, should remind everyone of the need to work collectively to uplift the population and improve the living conditions of Nigerians.

Drawing from the teachings of the prophet, Obi stressed the values of love, compassion and kindness. He urged the public to renew their commitment to building a Nigeria where every individual, irrespective of background or belief, would have the opportunity to thrive.

The peaceful nature with which the Muslim Ummah in Plateau State celebrated, yesterday, attracted the heartfelt congratulations of Governor Caleb Mutfwang. Mutfwang, at the Rwang Pam Township Stadium, Jos, assured that his administration remained committed to providing inclusive, accountable and transparent governance by embracing all citizens regardless of ethnic or religious backgrounds.

He noted Muhammad’s crucial role in spreading the message of Islam and fostering peace and unity among followers. He encouraged Muslims to use the celebration to reflect on the life, teachings and values the prophet promoted, such as compassion, justice and mercy.

The governor enjoined them to leverage the celebration to foster unity and solidarity within the Muslim community and to pray for peace and security both in Plateau and across Nigeria.

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, charged Muslim faithful in the state to embrace the essence of the birth of Muhammad, which is the good of all mankind.
Adeleke congratulated Muslims in the state and beyond for the symbolic moment, reminding them to take cognisance of the noble example of peace and hope that the prophet embodied.

While emphasising strict adherence to the message of compassion and kindness, Adeleke noted that his government remained committed to initiatives and interventions that would lessen the pains of the moment and ensure a better tomorrow.

The governor, in a statement by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, said: “On this blessed day, I extend my joyous wishes to Muslim faithful, particularly in Osun, as we commemorate the birth of the Holy Prophet of Allah, Muhammad.”

Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, said Nigeria, in dire straits of economic and security challenges, required sincere prayers from religious leaders and all citizens to salvage its battered image. Oborevwori stated this yesterday when he congratulated Muslims as they commemorated the birth of Prophet Muhammad.

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), EkpenAhon, the governor urged Muslims to use the occasion to pray for the peace and prosperity of the state and country at large.

The statement reads, “My hope and prayer is that, as we celebrate, we will internalise the spiritual lessons inherent in the teachings of the holy prophet regarding piety, love, justice, peaceful coexistence, tolerance and honesty. If these teachings are well applied, they will serve our beloved country and bring it greater glory.

“Let us remember to pray for our country to attain greater harmony and advancement among our fellow citizens, regardless of their origin or religion, and to foster a stronger dedication to the peace, unity and stability of the country. I sincerely hope that this celebration will cheer up every home in Delta, Nigeria, as well as all over the world.” He urged Muslims to emulate the exemplary leadership of the prophet by promoting peaceful existence anywhere they live.