By Mike Odiakose
An Elder statesman and former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Dr Bamanga Tukur has joined millions of Nigerians to felicitate with Muslims in the country on the occasion of this year’s Eid-el-Fitri festival marking the successful conclusion of the fasting.
Dr. Tukur urged Nigerians to use the Eid El Fitri celebration to recommit themselves to good neighbourliness, peace and unity in the country especially as the race towards another crucial general election gets hotter.
In a statement in Abuja by Chief Oliver Okpala , his adviser on Media Matters, Dr Tukur emphasized that this season of preparations for transition in the country should be explored to build new relationships, close gaps, develop inclusive leadership and shun actions as well as comments that breed division.
According to the one time Ambassador at Large of Nigeria, “This is the time to march on together as a united people, heal the wounds of the past and forge a new identity of nationhood”
Dr Tukur, who pledged to continue to offer advice to the younger generation of politicians, advised Nigerians to be hopeful that the nation would overcome all the challenges associated with any developing nation such as insecurity and economic hardship.
“This season is significant. There is no doubt that Muslims who participated in the month-long fasting attracted to themselves the blessings, forgiveness, mercy, love, joy and preservation of Allah associated with the month. So let us use the occasion to pray for peace, unity, love, tolerance and the prosperity of the nation.
“The state of the nation requires collective prayers, perseverance and patriotism of all as we march towards the crucial 2023 general election.”
Dr Tukur prays that Nigeria would continue to enjoy peace and unity, stressing that it was only in peace that a nation could grow and prosper.
