Abuja – The Minister of Police Affairs, retired Navy Capt. Caleb Olubolade, has urged Nigerians to work toward religious tolerance, social harmony and internal security for the achievement of national transformation. Also Anthony Cardinal Okogie, the Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, on Saturday urged Muslims in the country to use the occasion of Sallah to draw closer to God.

The minister made this call in an Eid-el-Kabir message issued in Abuja on Saturday.

He said they could do this by giving useful information that would help to curtail the activities of criminal elements in the society.

Olubolade assured the public of safety throughout the celebration as the police and other security operatives had deployed personnel to strategic places.

The minister warned those harbouring sinister intentions to restrain themselves from such.

Anthony Cardinal Okogie, the Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, on Saturday urged Muslims in the country to use the occasion of Sallah to draw closer to God.

In an Eid-el-Kabir message, Okogie stressed the need for them to be steadfast in their faith.

“Like Abraham did when he willingly prepared his only son for sacrifice to God, all adherents of the Islamic faith must be willing to sacrifice their time and resources for the good of their fellowmen and the nation.

“I enjoin you all faithful to draw nearer to God and pray for the peace and unity of our country, Nigeria.

“I urge you to remain steadfast to the tenets of your religion which promotes peace and harmonious co-existence,” the archbishop said in a statement.

The statement was signed by the Director, Social Communications, Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos, Monsignor Gabriel Osu.

While congratulating Muslims on the Eid-el-Kabir, Okogie said they should to go beyond the usual merriment associated with the period and reach out to the less privileged.

“We should work together toward building a just and equitable society,’’ he added.

Okogie called on Nigerians to eschew bitterness and violence and learn to live peacefully together irrespective of religious or tribal differences.

He also called for prayers for the country’s leaders, saying they need divine wisdom to govern well.

On the security situation in the country, the Cardinal said no nation could make any meaningful progress amid chaos and insecurity. (NAN)