Eid-il-Kabir: Aregbesola Says New Orientation Is Needed For National Survival

The Governor of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has observed that the nation must chat a new way in its system of governance for it to attain greatness it deserves.

This was contained in the Eid-el Kabir statement issued by the Director, Bureau of Communication and Strategy, Office of the Governor, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon.

Aregbesola also said that promotion of peace amongst diverse ethnic and religious groups in the country is very essential to development.

He stated that leaders as well as followers have a task to fulfil in building a strong and virile nation.

He averred that there should be a national rethinking on the way forward for the country and the necessity to have a break with failed systems of the past and refocus on the way forward to attaining greatness.

According to him, the sallah is a better platform for Muslims to re-examine themselves with a view to mending their ways and upholding the cardinal principles of the religion which has its foundation on peace.

He lamented the rising wave of violence and insurgency across the world, saying at no time in human political history has peace been this endangered.

Quoting from the Glorious Qur’an Chapter 2 verse 45, which say ‘Nay, seek Allah’s help with patience, perseverance and prayer…’ the governor called on all political and religious leaders across the country to use the festive period to supplicate to God for peace, progress and love among the people.

The statement read in part: “With the drums of war and violence resonating in all corners of the world, Nigeria must do everything humanly possible to douse the tension in the North-East and other parts before it escalates into full blown war and spread to other parts of the country.

“No nation can isolate itself from the current global crises – social, religious, political, economic and human – daily staring us in the eyes.

“What we need as a matter of necessity is to have a clean break with the systems that have failed us or retarded our growth as a nation; rethink and chat a new course for our greatness.

“This is the fulcrum upon which President Muhammad Buhari based his government. Nigerians in whatever capacity we can function must identify with the new government and support it for the betterment of our ‘self’ and the nation at large.

“The better time to promote love, tolerance, and spread the message of peace is during festive periods like this.

“I call on Muslims in Osun and the entire Nigerian Muslim ummah to seize the opportunity of the Eid to reach out to peoples of different faiths with greetings and messages of love and peace.

“Without peace and love, no nation unites and no nation attains greatness in an atmosphere of disunity singing discordant tunes.”