Eid-el-Fitr: Tinubu Urges Peaceful Coexistence, Tolerance Among Nigerians

President Bola Tinubu has appealed to Nigerians to continue embodying the lessons of patience, tolerance and neighbourliness drawn from the seasons of Ramadan and Lent as a foundation for nation-building.

The president, who spoke to reporters after the Eid-el-Fitr prayers in Lagos on Friday said the bedrock of development lied in peaceful and harmonious coexistence.

“I pray for peace in the country. The stability, peace and security of the nation is not just one man’s responsibility. We are all involved. Report suspicious movements of people across the length and breadth of the country. These are our responsibilities too,’’ he said in a statement by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga.

President Tinubu said the spiritual emphasis on charity and kindness to others should go beyond the fasting period.

“We give thanks to God for guiding us through the month of Ramadan. We have accepted the principles, philosophy and doctrine of giving, peace, security and love of our nation, and of neighbours, and kindness to all humanity in any way we can.

“We should assist the needy and help the vulnerable. That is the teaching. May God accept our sacrifices.

“We must continue not because Ramadan has come and it’s over. We thank almighty God for giving us that month. But the teaching must continue even after Ramadan. We must continue to be our brother’s keeper. Good behaviour, good neighbours, and love for humanity”.

Tinubu noted that the focus of all religions in the country remained the worship of one God, and that the character of citizens must reflect deep spiritual values drawn from prayers, the study of the holy scriptures, meditation, and penitence.

He said the task of nation-building is collective, inclusive and shared by all Nigerians, urging more emphasis on the beauty of diversity and the unity of the country.