As Muslims in Kwara State joined millions of faithful across the world to celebrate the Eid-el-Kabir, the Turaki of Ilorin and Senator representing Kwara Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Mallam Saliu Mustapha, has called on Nigerians to embrace peace, unity and love as panaceas for the nation’s growing challenges.
The lawmaker urged citizens to rise above ethnic, political and religious differences and work collectively to rebuild the bonds of brotherhood and national cohesion, warning against individuals and groups bent on exploiting the nation’s difficulties to deepen division among the people.
In his Eid-el-Kabir message made available to journalists on Wednesday by his media aide, Nasif Sholagberu, Senator Mustapha said the country was passing through a critical phase marked by rising insecurity and social tension, stressing that Nigerians must close ranks and unite in the overall interest of peace and national stability.
According to him, “this is a period for sober reflection and renewed commitment to the ideals of unity, sacrifice and mutual coexistence. Nigerians must refuse to give room to those seeking to profit from our pain or widen the fault lines that divide us as a people.”
The Senator noted with concern the recent escalation of insecurity in parts of the country, saying the challenge requires collective responsibility and sustained collaboration between citizens and security agencies.
He therefore called on Nigerians, irrespective of religious or ethnic affiliations, to support the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in its efforts to tackle insecurity and restore lasting peace across the country.
Mustapha emphasised that security is everybody’s business, urging citizens to provide timely and useful information to security agencies to enable them to effectively combat criminal activities before they escalate.
The federal lawmaker also congratulated Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of the Kwara State Traditional Rulers Council, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, the people of Ilorin Emirate and Kwarans at large on the Eid-el-Kabir celebration.
He further urged Muslims to imbibe the spirit of sacrifice, tolerance, compassion and generosity which the festival symbolises, noting that the virtues remain essential for national peace, development and harmonious coexistence.
Senator Mustapha prayed for continued peace, progress and prosperity in Kwara State and Nigeria as a whole, while expressing optimism that the country would overcome its present challenges through unity, sincerity of purpose and collective determination.
