… seeks religious leaders’ prayer for Delta, Nigeria
Governorship candidate on the platform of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), in the March 18th election in Delta State, Olorogun Barr. Kenneth Gbagi, FNIM, OON has urged Muslims in the State and beyond to learn the virtue of patience even in the face of provocation, and peacefully co-exist with people of other faiths, just like Prophet Muhammad lived in his time.
He charged them to live by the teachings of Prophet Muhammad.
Gbagi, a former minister of State for Education, made the appeal in a statement to Muslims on the occasion of Eid-el-Maulud, to celebrate the birthday of Prophet Muhammad.
The statement, issued on Wednesday September 27th 2023, by his Chief Press Secretary, Kenneth Orusi, the leader, said beyond celebrating the day marking the birthday of the Holy Prophet, the period should be used for fervent prayers for the State and country.
According to him, “There are great lessons of devotion, perseverance, tolerance, humility and selflessness that we can all learn from the life of the Prophet,” he said.
He appealed to religious leaders to educate people on the importance of shunning violence and other acts that are inimical to democracy.
The former chairman, Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, said: “Muslims should live a life of patience and honoured treaties with non Muslims for peaceful coexistence”.
He urged Muslims to “practice the noble and shining virtues of the Prophet”, saying that “the best way to honour him is to follow his good examples”.
He called on religious leaders to use the period to pray for the State and country and to admonish their followers to take the appropriate lessons from Prophet Muhammad’s life in their commitment to the State and nation.
The largest private employer of labour in the State, also urged Muslims celebrating the Maulud festival to extend their hand of fellowship to the needy and vulnerable in the spirit of the season while praying for the State and her leaders at all levels.
He enjoined Muslim faithful to use the occasion for deep reflection on the virtuous life of Prophet Mohammad and the message of peace, love, tolerance, humility, fairness and justice which he preached in words and deeds.
“On behalf of my family and the Social Democratic Party, I wish Muslim faithful in Delta State and across the globe a successful celebration on the occasion of this year’s Eid-el-Maulud”.
