PDP urges Muslims to prepare for Ramadan

By Lawrence Olaoye

The national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called on Nigerians to reposition their hearts and minds for the holy month of Ramadan which commences this weekend even as it enjoined them to use the period to imbibe the virtues of love, peace and tolerance as epitomized in the life and teachings of the Holy Prophet Mohammed.

PDP National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh in statement yesterday said the holy month “provides a very great opportunity for Nigerians to draw nearer to God and jettison all forms of bitterness, divisions and violence while making rooms in their hearts for forgiveness, unity and peaceful co-existence in the land.”

“Indeed, the Ramadan offers us exceptional lessons in unity, humility and brotherliness which, when properly inculcated, will make the nation a better place where all shall live in harmony as one people under the Almighty Allah who in his infinite wisdom and mercy decided to bring us together”, the party said, urging well-meaning Nigerians of other religious persuasions to join the Muslim Community in the fast.

Stating that it was clear that the Almighty Allah wills that Nigerians live together in love, the PDP cited Chapter 3 verse 103 of the Holy Koran, which states; “And hold fast, all together, by the rope which Allah (stretches out for you), and be not divided among yourselves; and remember with gratitude Allah’s favour on you; for ye were enemies and He joined your hearts in love, so that by His Grace, ye became brethren…..”

It therefore urged Nigerians to continue to work and pray for peace, unity and prosperity of the nation and ensure that the Ramadan fasting is effectively utilized as a means of spiritual edification for the good of all.

The party said God has blessed the nation with abundant human and material resources but noted that they can only be fully harnessed for the overall benefit if Nigerians learn to work together in love.

While urging the people to continue to support those in leadership positions, the PDP also charged all its elected and appointed officials at all levels to use the holy month to reflect on the essence of service and redouble their efforts in the prudent handling of resources as encapsulated in its manifesto.

It also called on those behind the violent attacks in country to have a rethink and understand that life is sacrosanct and should not be wantonly taken by any person.