Mark, Fayemi, Amaechi call for more prayers

Senate President, David Mark

Nigerian leaders including Senate President, David Mark, Governors Kayode Fayemi and Rotimi Amaechi of Ekiti and Rivers states respectively have called on Muslims to make the continued survival of Nigeria the focal point of their prayers as they joined their colleagues in the world to observe the Ramadan fasting.

Mark in a goodwill message to the Muslim faithful, contained in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Paul Mumeh, urged them to pray for the nation and its people in order to overcome the trying times.

He said, “More than anything else, the nation requires your support and prayer to triumph over forces of evil facing the nation.

“Our security operatives have been overstretched. Our people are daily being killed needlessly. Our only hope is in the divine intervention of the Almighty Creator to salvage the situation.

“It has therefore become imperative that you commit yourselves to praying for the peace, unity and survival of Nigeria in this holy month of Ramadan.”

He also called for support and cooperation of Nigerians to the security operatives to combat the menace of insurgents ravaging the country.

Mark canvassed religious tolerance between and among religious groups pointing out that in spite of the security challenges, the unity of Nigeria should not be compromised.

Also, Fayemi in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Olayinka Oyebode, described Ramadan as “the glory of all months in the Islamic calendar.”

He added that Ramadan fast was one of the five pillars of Islam that Muslims must strictly adhere to it in line with the injunction of the Almighty Allah.

Stating that Ramadan offered an opportunity to draw closer to Allah and deepen relationship with him in submission to his will, he urged Muslims to use the period to pray for peace to reign in all the troubled spots in the country.

The governor also urged them to use the Ramadan season to pray for peace and prosperity in Ekiti State, especially as the state was about to witness a change in leadership.

Fayemi explained that Allah established Ramadan to bring about equality among the faithful irrespective of social status.

Amaechi, in a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. David Iyofor, in Port Harcourt on Sunday, urged Muslims to make Nigeria their focal prayer point as they observed the Ramadan rites.

The governor also expressed the need for Muslims to use the Ramadan period to engage in persistent prayers for the country’s leaders to enable them to act right to the benefit of the masses.

“At this point in the life of our country where peace and safety of the citizens has become critical, it is evident that we need divine intervention in our nation.”

Also, the lawmaker representing Lagos East Constituency, Gbenga Ashafa, has challenged Muslims to pray for peace in Nigeria before breaking their fast daily.

Ashafa in a Ramadan message on Sunday, said Muslims must use the opportunity of their holy month to intercede for peace.

He said, “At this moment, fasting faithful muslims prayer is accepted easily by God. One of those moments that God accepts prayer easily is the moment before breaking fast. Muslims should always pray for Nigeria during the Tarawih (evening prayer) and during their Tahajud (mid-night prayer).”

(PUNCH)