By Dapo Akinrefon
FORMER Governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has called on governments at all levels to do more in the fight against poverty and create more opportunities for Nigerians.

In a goodwill message to Nigerians in commemoration of the Eid-el-Kabir Muslim festival, Tinubu said there must be a total war against poverty for Nigeria’s democracy to be meaningful.

He said: “Our democracy cannot be meaningful unless and until our people start enjoying the prosperity that should come with it. That is why people in government and whoever can help must declare total war on poverty.”

In addition, he advised Nigerians to choose wisely in the next set of elections to get the best results adding, “first we must make sure that every vote counts, but that is not enough.

“Our people must vote wisely. If our votes count and our people vote wisely, so that people with focus and compassion run governments, then we can say that our democracy will deliver development.”

He also congratulated Muslims for yet another celebration of Eid-el-Kabir, but noted that they should seize the festive occasion to stoke and renew their love for fellow Nigerians.

Tinubu said: “Nigeria may be a federation of faiths, cultures and differing peoples.  But we are all one before God.  We are all children of God.

“We must harness our commonality before God and the strength of our respective faiths and cultures to build a fair, strong and united country.”

Tinubu counselled.

Besides, he stated the need for the Moslem community to seize the advantage of the festivities to offer special prayers for peace and justice in Nigeria.

He also said they should pray for the next set of elections to be free, fair and transparent; and for it to usher in a new set of leaders, imbued with compassion and totally committed to the welfare of the people.