Two Lagos-based Islamic clerics have urged Muslim faithful to pray fervently as only prayers can turn Nigeria’s challenges around for better.
The clerics spoke in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Saturday.
Mr Suleiman Lawal, a cleric of the Muslim Community in Ayobo, said that prayer remains the only perfect solution to overcome the crisis in the country.
Lawal said, “As we celebrate, let pray for Nigeria to surmount her present challenges and leaders to succeed in their efforts so as to make life more meaningful for its citizens.”
He admonished the faithful to use the festive period to forgive one another and tread the path of peace.
“Hold on to the tenets of Islam by loving, forgiving one another irrespective of religion, ethnic and political differences in the interest of unity and peace in the country.”
The cleric called on Nigerians to embrace peace in the forthcoming general elections.
”As Nigeria prepares for election in February, peace not violence is needed to achieve togetherness in 2023 and beyond.”
Lawal called on the government to ensure that the fight against insecurity is totally won.
“Government should scale up measures to curb the spate of terrorism, kidnappings, killings and other crimes plaguing the nation and must be ready to protect lives and property of its citizens.”
He advised politicians to bury their political differences and tackle national issues with urgency.
While addressing the issue of corruption, Lawal appealed to the government to eliminate corruption and ensure that no offender is exempted.
He urged Nigerians to keep away from sins so as to enjoy God’s blessings and favour.
Lawal appealed to Nigerians to be patient, hopeful, expectant and put their trust in God to heal the land and the people.
The cleric encouraged the faithful to show love by reaching out to the less privileged in the society to enable them to live a comfortable life.
In the same vein, Mr Kamilu Omitogun, said that fervent prayers could help restore the glory of the nation.
He urged Muslims and Christians to live in peace and shun unpleasant actions, statements and utterances that might lead to the destruction of lives and property.
Omitogun urged Nigerians to embrace unity and be tolerance.
He said, “Let us guard against provocations that are capable of destroying the unity of the nation.
“Agitations for the nation to be divided should be dropped, we are better as one and must learn to live in peace with one another for the growth of the nation.”
Omitogun advised the leaders not to be intoxicated with power but to govern with fear of Allah as God would surely ask them how they ran their affairs while in authority.
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