Eid-el-Kabir: Buhari, ALGON preach peace, national unity

Senator Abdulfatai Buhari and the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria in Oyo State have called on Nigerians to pray fervently for the peace and unity of the country.
They made the call in separate sallah messages made available to newsmen on Saturday in Ibadan.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Buhari is the Chairman, Senate Committee on Land Transport.
Buhari urged Nigerians to intensify prayers for peace and progress of the country, admonishing the wealthy to extend charity to the underprivileged during the festive period to promote love and harmony.
The lawmaker called on Nigerians to cultivate the habit of peaceful coexistence amongst all religious adherents in the country, saying peace was a vital key for development.
He said: “I am appealing to Nigerians to use this period to make sacrifices of tolerance for peace to reign in the country.
“This period is key to all and we must take advantage of it to plant peace permanently for growth and development.”
He maintained that there was no alternative to peace in any society, adding that tolerance holds the answer and must be imbibed as Muslims celebrate the period of love.
Buhari urged his constituents and people of Oyo State to keep faith with the government, calling on all to support the leaders with prayers.
Also, the ALGON in Oyo State urged Nigerians to imbibe the spirit of godliness, charity, perseverance and spiritual intercession for the nation as they celebrate the Eid-el-Kabir.
The association, in a statement signed by its Chairman, Ayodeji Abass-Aleshinloye, urged Nigerians to promote acts that enhance national integration and brotherhood.
It advised religious adherents to always demonstrate love and understanding toward one another in the quest for a greater and more prosperous Nigeria
The ALGON described the Sallah period as one that honours the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son to show submission to Allah’s command.
He said: “As we’ve read from the Glorious Qur’an, just when Ibrahim was about to slaughter his son Ishmael as sacrifice as commanded by Almighty Allah (SWT), he was given a ram as replacement.
“As such, we Muslims use Eid ul-Adha to celebrate Prophet Ibrahim’s complete obedience to the will of Allah and as a reminder of our own willingness to make sacrifices in obedience to God.”
He opined that the spate of kidnappings and killings witnessed in some parts of the country, would soon become a thing of the past if Nigerians unite against the ugly trend.
While wishing Nigerians, especially those of Islamic faith a happy celebration, he urged them to continue to pray and work for peace as well as unity of the country.