•••URGES MUSLIMS TO AVOID EXTREMIST DOCTRINES
President Muhammadu Buhari on Saturday challenged Nigerians to show the requisite interest in the country above selfish interests
He also urges them to “use religion as a motivation for the love of our common humanity.”
The President in his Eid-el Kabir message to Nigerian Muslims and other citizens, said that “if we are putting the teachings of our religions into practice, most of the evils afflicting our society would have been solved.”
President Buhari congratulated the Muslim Ummah in Nigeria and the world on the occasion of the Eid, citing for special mention, “the brave men and women in uniform fighting terror on many fronts and their families, as well as others held hostage and kept away from their families by wicked and heartless terrorists.”
The President said; “Religion shouldn’t just be used as a mere badge of identity, but as a motivator for doing good for our country and humanity.”
“The exploitation of the people by traders and the stealing of public funds by civil servants and other holders of public trust is a reflection of the abandonment of the teachings of our religions.
“Our society is a bundle of contradictions. People display external religiosity without fear of God; they make life difficult for others; money becomes their god; leaders abandon their oaths of office by taking money meant for the welfare of the people and divert it to their private pockets,” he said.
He used the occasion to call on all Muslims to reflect on the significance of the sacrifice epitomised by Eid.
“We should show love and care to our neighbours and others while celebrating this spiritually important event in our lives
“To promote the good virtues of Islam through personal examples and practice,” adding that “Muslims should avoid association with violent extremist ideas that have wrongly given Islam a negative image or poor perception.” The President said.
Speaking on the current security challenges and costs of living in the country, President Buhari assured Nigerians that he would not rest until he brings relief to Nigerians.
He said that he is quite aware of the difficulties people are facing and working to resolve them.
The President is of the hope that this Eid would be a source of blessing, peace, prosperity and safety for all Nigerians, stating that coexistence and stability would prevail in the country.
