Ramadan: Saraki, Ekweremadu Seek Prayers for Buhari, Nigeria

• As Ahmed, Obaseki advocate peace

Damilola Oyedele in Abuja and Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

Senate President Dr. Bukola Saraki and his Deputy, Senator Ike Ekweremadu have called on Muslim faithfuls to dedicate the month of Ramadan, to pray for President Muhammadu Buhari, and for prosperity of Nigeria.

Saraki, in a statement also noted that the month of Ramadan is a chance for Nigerians to show love to less privileged persons in the society, particularly those living in Internally Displaced Persons camps across the country.

His statement reads in full:
“It is a great pleasure and honour to once again felicitate with millions of Nigerian muslims, and of course Muslims across the world, on the start of the glorious month of Ramadan. Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam.”
“As a kid back in the days, Ramadan was synonymous to fasting only. So, I quite naturally looked forward to Iftar and Sahur at home. But as I grew up and learnt more, I have come to the realisation that Ramadan is far much more!”

“Ramadan is a unique symbol of the values that Muslims and people of all faiths share – that is charity, cooperation, compassion and self-restraint. Ramadan is also an occasion for Muslims to strengthen family and community ties and share God’s gifts with those in need.”
“This is why I invite us to reflect on the conditions of our brothers and sisters in IDP camps across the country who, for no fault of their own, are unable to fast in the comfort of their homes like you and I. This heart-breaking conditions therefore remind us all of our common humanity and compel us into positive actions that could bring a permanent end to the situations”.

“I like to also use this occasion to pray for the quick recovery of our dear President, President Muhammadu Buhari. My thoughts and prayers are always with him just as I wish for him a complete and restful recovery.”
“My wife, Toyin and I, and our kids are delighted to extend our warmest wishes to our Muslim brothers and sisters in Nigeria and across the world on the start of this holy month. May the glory and blessings of this month shine upon us now and always.”
Similary, Ekweremadu in a goodwill message, urged Muslim faithfuls to pray for Buhari and for the nation, as Nigeria would overcome its present challenges if its citizens stand united in prayer.

“No doubt, the nation is faced with huge challenges, but they are surmountable, provided we unite in prayer, commitment, right efforts, the needed sacrifice.This holy month of Ramadan, therefore, presents us an opportunity to commit the country into God’s hands, starting with the President of the country, who is away on an overseas medical treatment. I call on the Muslim Ummah in particular to pray for the spirit of unity, love, forgiveness, justice, and peaceful co-existence to prevail in the nation,” he said.

Also, Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed and Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Dr. Ali Ahmad urged Muslims in the state to use the ongoing Ramadan fast to pray for sustenance of peace and harmony in the state.

This, they said would aid development and provide atmosphere for government to build on existing legacies.

This was contained in a separate statement issued in Ilorin, the state capital, a copy of which was made available to THISDAY.

Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State has joined the President of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Saa’d Abubakar III, the Sultan of Sokoto, and all Muslims to welcome the month of Ramadan while also urging Nigerians to maintain peaceful conduct.

The Governor, in a broadcast, expressed his belief that the Ramadan was a significant period in the life of Muslims and in Islam as it represented one of the five Pillars of Islam, and was a period that called for sober reflection, sacrifice, patience and endurance.
He said: “We have so much to be thankful to Allah for, for he has been merciful and he has preserved us and our nation thus far. Let us use this significant month of Ramadan to continue to pray for our nation, our state, and our President, Muhammadu Buhari”.