Ahead of the 2015 general elections, the Osun State governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has called on Muslims nationwide to pray for peace in the country in the New Year.
In a congratulatory message to adherents of the Islamic faith on the occasion of the Eid-el-Maolud (birthday of Prophet Muhammad)celebration, Aregbesola said what the nation needs at this critical stage is sincere leaders who are driven by the desire to redirect the nation from gradual slide into the abyss.
According to a statement by his Director, Bureau of Communication and Strategy, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon, he said as the nation prepares for the 2015 general elections, the nation needs prayer for a peaceful conduct of elections.
Aregbesola admonished the Muslims to emulate the humility, good neighbourliness, understanding and love exemplified by the life of Prophet Muhammad.
According to him, Muslims must possess qualities such as commitment, discipline, obedience to and love of Allah, and apply same in their daily relationship to their fellow human beings, irrespective of ethnic and religious differences.
He enjoined the people of the state to live in peace and extend hands of fellowship to their neighbours so as for the peaceful and tranquil atmosphere the state has been enjoying in the last two years to continue unhindered.
He said: “The time is ripe enough for us to know that we must either come together to jointly take our country to the height it deserves among comity of nations. All hands must be on deck for us to move forward.
“We must stop paying leap service to fundamental necessities which are catalysts for development or else this nation would remain a dwarf to other nations which ought to take directives from us.