ABUJA—The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Sabur Dimeji Bankole, is preaching forgiveness, tolerance and sacrifice to Nigerians, especially Muslims, on the occasion of the celebration of the end of Ramadan.

Besides, Bankole asked Muslims and indeed all Nigerians to re-dedicate themselves to the cause that will promote national growth and development.

In his Sallah message to Muslims, by his media adviser, Mr Kayode Akinmade, the speaker described love and tolerance by Nigerians as key to national development as, according to him, “meaningful national development cannot be achieved in an atmosphere of violence as witnessed in some parts of the country in the recent past.”

He noted the current challenges facing the nation arising from the global economic meltdown, saying the challenges are not insurmountable when all hands are on deck with the people living in peace and harmony,and tolerating their individual as well as group differences.

Bankole expressed optimism that the challenges will soon give way to prosperity and fulfilment as “President Yar’Adua administration is committed to bequeathing a lasting legacy in the country.”