Mr Yomi Ayorinde, a former Chairman, Association of Local Government of Nigeria, (ALGON) in Ekiti, has urged Muslim faithful to use the fasting period to pray for unity and peaceful transition of government in the country.
Ayorinde, in his Ramadan message to Muslims on the commencement of the fasting period, said in a statement in Ado-Ekiti on Thursday, that the period was a time of sober reflection.
He said the period gave Muslims opportunity to move closer to Almighty Allah and seek His face in supplication and prayers.
“It is a period of sober reflection, a period we move closer to Almighty Allah in supplication and a period prayers are answered by the Almighty Allah.
“So, it is not only for Muslims alone who should make positive use of this spiritual period, but also Nigerians in general, irrespective of their religious belief,” the Usi-Ekiti born politician said.
The House of Assembly member elect, (APC-Ido/Osi II) also called for peaceful transition as the country prepares for change of baton in the administration of leaderships in the country.
He particularly called for prayers for the administration of Gov Biodun Oyebanji, as he continued to pilot the affairs of the state and also for the incoming assembly members that would work with him.
He urged everyone to pray for guidance from above to enable them to work together to achieve their visions and dreams for a better state.
“With the present situation of things in the country, there is a need for all Nigerians to seize the opportunity brought about by the fasting to pray for Nigeria’s unity and for peace to reign in the country.
“One major significance of the period is sharing of love, therefore there is need for Muslims to share love, not only among themselves, but also among adherents of other religions which will engender brotherliness among Nigerians.
“Islam means peace, thus this is the period Muslims can display the peaceful nature of the religion to people, especially adherents of other religions.
“I greet all Muslims during this period and I pray that we will all reap the positive reward of its essence in our lifetime and the hereafter,” he said.