New Year: Fashola Urges Restraint, Peaceful Religious, Ethnic Co-existence

As Nigerians and people the world over usher in Year 2012, Lagos State Governor, Mr Babatunde Fashola (SAN) on Saturday urged restraint, peaceful religious and ethnic co-existence among all as core virtues needed for national stability and development.

Governor Fashola in his New Year message to the people said in view of some of the recent unfortunate happenings in the country, there is a need for people in all parts of the nation to tread with caution in realisation that everyone is a stakeholder in realising a peaceful and prosperous nation where families can be raised, livelihoods earned and where individuals can worship their Creator in diverse ways.

The Governor said restraint is needed now to ensure that comments that may inflame passions or fan the embers of disunity are not promoted thus leading to a worsening of the security situation in the country.

He called on all Nigerians across ethnic and religious divides to continue to co-exist peacefully as Nigeria’s diversity has always been a unifying factor for the nation.

The Governor noted that Nigerians across all ethnic and religious beliefs have always intermarried and co- existed in harmony with the fact that there is no complete Nigerian family that does not have a fusion of either religious or ethnic groups.

The Governor said it is within the making of all Nigerians for people of diverse ethnic groups to feel confident to reside in any part of the country without any fear of falling victim of violent attacks or undue persecution.

Governor Fashola wished all residents of Lagos State a brighter and rewarding Year 2012 that will witness a continuation of the efforts by the state government to better the lot of the people across all divides.

While thanking Lagosians for their support and co-operation with the government as well as their contribution towards continued peace and stability in the state, Governor Fashola declared: “Let us resolve more than ever before and as we step into the New Year, that your city, Lagos will continue to be a shining example of peaceful co-existence and a blooming melting pot of faith, tongues and cultures.”