18th July, 2015
Abiodun Onafuye/Abeokuta
Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun state, Southwestern, Nigeria has described the activities of Boko Haram as a shame to the Nigerian nation.
Amosun, while speaking at the Lantoro prayer ground in Abeokuta, shortly after he observed the Eid-el-Fitri prayer, urged all Nigerians to rise up against the challenge of insecurity posed by the Boko Haram menace.
Governor Amosun said that the incessant spate of bombings in the country, especially in the North-East was a shame to the nation.
He added that it was embarrassing and unfortunate that during ramadan fasting period, members of fundamentalist group still perpetrated violence and killings.
The governor therefore charged all Nigerians, irrespective of their religion and political affiliations to eschew all forms of violent act and rather see themselves as brothers and sisters who needed to be protected.
Amosun added that he has no doubt that President Muhammadu Buhari meant well for the country, saying Nigerians should continue to pray for him to achieve all his good plans.
Amosun noted that the issue of security should not be seen as the exclusive duty of security agencies in the country, but every citizen should also be alive to their responsibility.
Also speaking at the prayer ground, the new Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Abdul-Majeed Ali appealed to all Nigerians to be more inquisitive about what they see in their environment.
He noted that security agencies in the country have been doing their best in protecting lives and property of Nigerians.
Also, in his Eid-el-Fitr message, the Senator representing Ogun East Senatorial District, Prince Buruj Kashamu urged Muslims and Nigerians to make piety and self-discipline which underpinned the holy month of Ramadan part of their daily living, rather than being a seasonal affair.
“It is my fervent belief that if we can deny ourselves worldly pleasures and pray to the almighty Allah Subhana wa tala concerning our individual and collective issues as a people and a nation; He would hear us and save us from our issues and trials. I am living testimony that He answers prayers and I wish to urge us to commit our ways to Him and He will direct our paths.
“I am persuaded that there is no better time to commit ourselves to personal discipline than now, especially given the current economic and political realities. We must gird our loins, fasten our belts and be more introspective in our private and public life. This must not just be a seasonal affair but a way of life going forward”,the statement reads in part.
Speaking with our correspondent, the Alakija of Ikija Egba, Oba Shamsudeen Afolabi Aremu Ayorinde charged Muslim to continue worshipping Allah as they have been doing during the holy month of Ramadan.
“We should continue with the good way we have been doing during Ramadan. We should be worshipping Allah,be considerate in our doings and love our neighbours as ourselves. That is when the lessons of Ramadan will be reflecting in our lives”,the soft spoken monarch posited.
Similarly, the Baaroyin of Egbaland, Olootu Lai Labode urged Muslim to see the self denial of many things during the Ramadan as an obligation from Allah which should not be thrown away after the holy month.