Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, state governors, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen and Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin yesterday joined Muslim faithful yesterday felicitated Muslims on Maulid Nabiyy.
They were joined in congratulating the Muslim faithful by the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Leadership of the National Assembly, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike; Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri; Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang; People’s Democratic Party (PDP), and other political leaders, yesterday joined Muslim faithful to celebrate the occasion
In their separate statements, they urged Nigerians to promote peace, avoid divisive statements across tribal and religious lines, as they mark the birth of commemorate the birth of Prophet Muhammad.
In a message on his X handle, Atiku, who is the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate for next year’s general election, advised Muslims to uphold national unity, peace and commitment to the common good.
Atiku also called on all Nigerians to use the occasion to reflect on the significance of the celebration and promote peace, unity and prosperity across the country.
He extended warm greetings to Muslims across the country, commending their dedicated service and steadfast commitment to Nigeria’s unity.
‘On this sacred occasion of Eid al-Maulud, I extend warm greetings to all Muslim faithfuls, honouring your dedicated service and steadfast commitment to our nation’s unity,’ Atiku wrote.
Deputy President of the Senate Jibrin urged Muslims to use the occasion to reflect on the exemplary life, teachings and virtues of the Prophet Muhammad, particularly his lessons of compassion, patience, justice, honesty, forgiveness and peaceful coexistence.
He said the best way to honour the Prophet was to emulate his noble character and apply his teachings in their daily lives, families, communities and responsibilities as citizens, adding that the challenges confronting the country require collective prayers, patriotism and commitment from all Nigerians.
‘Let us draw inspiration from the life and teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), particularly his emphasis on peace, justice, patience and brotherhood. As we approach the 2027 elections, we must ensure that our political differences do not divide us as a people or undermine the peace of our dear country, the Federal Republic of Nigeria,’ Jibrin said.
Speaker Tajudeen and his Deputy, Benjamin Kalu, said that the Islamic values taught by the Prophet Mohammed should continue to serve as a compass for Muslims in all areas of their life.
They asked them to continue to draw inspiration from these values and demonstrate them in their daily lives by showing love, kindness and understanding to one another.
Speaker Abbas said Muslims are obligated to follow the Prophet’s example and incorporate the Islamic principles he established into their daily lives.
He reminded Muslims of the importance of Prophet Muhammad’s noble birth, the influence of his teachings, and the examples his life set for humanity.
Kalu, on his part, described Eid-el-Maulud as an important occasion for reflection on the exemplary life and teachings of the Prophet, especially his virtues of humility, compassion, forgiveness, tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
He encouraged Muslims to draw inspiration from these values and demonstrate them in their daily lives by showing love, kindness and understanding to one another.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State implored the Muslims to use the occasion as an opportunity to reflect on the exemplary life and teachings of the Prophet, particularly his virtues of peace, justice, compassion, tolerance and respect for people of different faiths.
ýýThe governor hailed the Jos Annual Maulud Committee of the Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) for adopting the theme, ‘Emulating the Prophetic Way of Peace, Mutual Respect and Religious Freedom.’
He said the theme aptly captures the values required to strengthen peaceful coexistence and mutual understanding in a diverse society.
ýýHe urged the Muslim faithful to use the occasion to offer prayers for peace, unity and the security of Plateau State, while calling on citizens to reject violence and all forms of hatred that threaten the peaceful coexistence of communities.
His Bayelsa State counterpart, Douye Diri, said the celebration of the birth of Prophet Muhammad was a time for Muslims to practice his teachings on unity, compassion and peace.
His words: ‘As Muslims across the world mark the birth of Prophet Muhammad, it is a time to reflect on his ideals and teachings on love, unity, compassion and peace.I urge adherents of the faith to demonstrate practical love, patriotism and ensure peaceful co-existence with others. The principles of good neighbourliness and being a brother’s keeper are best manifested at a season as this.’
On his part, Wike urged residents of the FCT to use the occasion to promote peace, unity, tolerance and dialogue in their communities.
He said the occasion offered an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the virtues and teachings of the Prophet, adding that the virtues of sacrifice, patience, compassion, tolerance and fellowship remained essential to building peaceful and cohesive communities, particularly in a diverse territory such as the FCT.
The PDP also called on Muslims to continue to pray for the nation’s leaders at all levels as the Muslim Ummah in Nigeria and across the world commemorate the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Jungudo Mohammed, the party urged Nigerians to draw from these timeless virtues by promoting unity, tolerance, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence.
He said that as a nation, Nigerians must continue to strengthen the bonds that unite us and work collectively towards a more just, democratic and prosperous Nigeria