Eid-el-Maulud: Okowa calls for prayers for peaceful elections

Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta has congratulated Muslims on the occasion of Eid el-Maulud to celebrate the birth of Prophet Muhammad.

The Federal Government has declared Tuesday, Nov. 20 as a public holiday to allow Muslims to celebrate the birthday of the Holy Prophet of Islam.

Prophet Muhammad was born on the 12th day of the Islamic month of Rabi’al-awwal in Mecca, in what is now Saudi Arabia in the Georgian calendar year of 570 AD.

Okowa, who made the call in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Charles Aniagwu on Monday in Asaba, also urged Muslims to pray for peaceful general elections in 2019.

The governor enjoined Nigerians to use the celebration as a period of sober reflection and pray for peace and unity in the country, “particularly now that the country is entering election year.”

He particularly advised Muslims to use the period to reflect on the challenges bedevilling the country and to share with one another, whatever means of sustenance they had, to spread the virtues of peace, love and charity which the Holy Prophet represented.

Okowa said Muslims should follow the exemplary leadership of the Holy Prophet Muhammad by promoting and ensuring peaceful
co-existence within the society.

He charged Nigerians to eschew ethnic, political and religious tendencies in all their dealings, but work toward building a secure and prosperous nation.

He added that the commemoration of the birth of the Holy Prophet should regenerate faith and bond of unity among Nigerians as one people and one nation, irrespective of diversity.

He said that “on the occasion of the celebration of the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, it is incumbent on adherents of Islamic faith to rededicate themselves to upholding the admonitions of the Holy Qur’an in their personal life and in their relationship with others.

“It is, therefore, a call on all adherents of Islam and indeed all Nigerians to use the opportunity of the celebration of the Prophet’s birthday to reflect on His teachings, who lived a life of piety, prayer, honesty, selflessness, charity, tolerance and good neighbourliness.

“My administration will continue to promote the welfare of all citizens while ensuring the protection of lives and property. We remain fully committed to delivering on our promise of prosperity for all Deltans through the SMART Agenda.

“I assure all Deltans of better years ahead as we work tirelessly to bring the desired development and better living conditions for
our people.

“I wish all Deltans, particularly our Muslim brothers and sisters, joyful celebrations during the holiday as I also pray for the warmth of Allah’s love to fill every home.”