State Chairmen of All Progressives Congress (APC) from across the nation, under the aegis of FORUM OF STATE CHAIRMEN, have called on Nigerians, particularly the Muslims, to use the occasion of this year’s Eid-el-Ada celebration to promote peace, love and progress in the country.
In a statement to mark the occasion, Chairman of the Forum, Hon. Cornelius Ojelabi, congratulated Muslims throughout the globe for the opportunity of witnessing another Eid “after all the troubles that the world had endured since the last one” He recalled that many people have not been lucky to survive the series of wars, famines, disasters and health crises that plagued the world in the recent times.
Ojelabi, who is also the Chairman of the Lagos State chapter of the party, noted that the lessons of the Eid were far compelling for the people to imbibe in their daily lives so as to live and spread peace, love, tolerance and harmony among mankind. He called on the people to be their brothers’ keepers by showing empathy and sharing compassion.
He also enjoined them to move closer to God in faith in emulation to Prophet Ibrahim (AS) who, in total submission to the will of Allah, offered to sacrifice his son, Ismail, before God gave him a ram to slaughter. This, he said, was the height of obedience and loyalty which the people should embrace.
The Chairman urged Muslims to celebrate this “sacred and significant festival” with moderation, discipline and maturity so as not to go against the will of Allah or contravene the laws of the land, urging them to remember that there was no absolute right without a corresponding responsibility. He called on them not to disturb the peace of their neighbors with their celebrations.
Reflecting on the lessons of the Holy Qur’an in Surah Al-Hajj (22:37): “It is neither their meat nor their blood that reaches Allah, but it is piety from you that reaches Him” Ojelabi said since it is clear that God has nothing to do with the ram that the people slaughter or the meat that they cook, everyone should not be stingy with the meat or be oppressive in its consumption. He called for sober reflection, compassion and love for one another, and renewed commitment to the ideals of peaceful coexistence and nation-building.
He also implored Muslim clerics and other believers to have special prayers for the president and his government, Nigeria and Nigerians to continue to enjoy peace and progress, calling on Nigerians from across the globe to always pray for their country and do things to project her in good light.
The Chairman wished all Muslims a peaceful, joyful, and rewarding Eid celebration.