By Sam Eyoboka, Chris Ochayi& Olayinka Latona

LAGOS—IN THE spirit of Eid-El-Fitri, the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, and some eminent Nigerians including former Military President, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, Governor Jonah Jang of Plateau State and Emir of Wase, Dr Haruna Abdullahi, yesterday, felicitated with Moslems on the festivity and urged the citizenry to push for peaceful co-existence and good leadership in the country.

Babangida, a presidential aspirant on the plank of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, said yesterday that leaders who desire to enjoy favour from God should learn to respect the wishes and aspirations of the people.

In the message signed by Prince Kassim Afegbua, the Director, Media & Communications of IBB 2011 Presidential Campaign Organisation, the former ruler remarked that “our leaders should exhibit the fear of God and not the fear of man in their indulgences.

As 2011 elections draw near, Nigerians should imbibe the culture of living above board in their day-to-day undertakings. Our leaders should learn to live with the reality of the laws of the land no matter how unfavourable, so that the led can take a cue from them. Our leaders should teach us how to obey laws and agreements, so that we could teach others. Our leaders should learn to respect the wishes and aspirations of our people so that they could enjoy favours from Allah..”

CAN tasks Muslims

Also speaking, CAN in a message by its president, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, commended the Muslims for their steadfast prayers for the nation during the month-long spiritual endurance test, denial and prayers, urging them to take advantage of the occasion to pray for peaceful co-existence among neighbours.

“May I take this auspicious opportunity to wish the president of Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, NSCIA, the Sultan of Sokoto, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, and all our Muslim brothers in Nigeria Barka de Sallah. May God Almighty bless and give you peace as you celebrate Eid el Fitri, at the end of the month of Ramadan,” the CAN president stated, adding that the country will only reap the fruits of the 30-day fast and supplication if adherents of the Islamic faith reflect over the teachings of the Holy Quran and live in peace with their non-Muslim neighbours in any part of the country.”

Emir of Wase
Emir of Wase, Dr Haruna Abdullahi, appealed to Muslims to use the lessons learnt during the Ramadan for their religious nourishment. He said: “I thank the almighty Allah for the end of the Ramadan, which has been very successful. I urge all Moslems to let the lessons guide their day to day behaviour.” According to him, the Ramadan is to guide the behaviour of Moslems and Moslems must not shy away from observing it.

Methodist prelate
The Prelate, Methodist Church Nigeria, His Eminence, Sunday Ola Makinde in his message issued by the church’s Head of Media and Communications, Rev. Oladapo Daramola, said: “As we congratulate all Muslims for being part of this year’s Ramadan, it is imperative to remind ourselves that no country can develop or prosper amidst religious disturbances, tensions and uprisings which seem to have characterized our existence as a nation in recent times. ”