Lagos Governor Babatunde Fashola and his predecessor, Bola Tinubu, have called on Nigerians to reject violence. They say it is only in a peaceful environment that Nigeria can achieve greatness.
The duo spoke on Friday during the Eid el-Kabir prayer at the Obalende prayer ground.
They said Nigerians must co-exist in peace irrespective of ethnic and religious diversity to ensure economic prosperity.
Fashola described the sallah celebration as that of thanksgiving. He urged Muslims to seek peace, stability and progress of the country.
He said, “We must seek forgiveness from God and forgive our neighbours and fellow human beings. We must use the philosophy and ideals of sacrifice of Sallah to build our society.”
On the vehicular traffic congestion in the state, Fashola explained that the gridlock in metropolis in the last few days had nothing to do with the restriction of commercial motorcycle operation in the state.
He added that it was caused by the influx of people bringing goods to the state.
Tinubu said the celebration reinforced the message of sacrifice for reward.
He urged Nigerians not to misinterpret the nation’s diversity but rather understand that from the diversity come real strength and harmony that can move the country forward.
In his sermon, the grand Chief Imam of Lagos State, Shikh Garba Ibrahim, cautioned against religious fundamentalism and fraudulent accumulation of wealth.
Also, the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mr. Adeyemi Ikuforiji, urged leaders at all levels of government to be real servants of the people.
According to him, it is when leaders are servants that the nation and its people will feel the positive impact of governance.
Ikuforiji spoke with journalists after observing the Eid prayers at the Epe Praying Ground on Friday.
He said, “To realise good governance, governments and the people in general must reason together and re-assess our values and policies.”
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