GOVERNOR AREGBESOLA HERALED INTO PRAYER GROUND BY TUMULTUOUS
The sight of Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State on
Monday created frenzy at the state capital, Osogbo, as he joined thousands of
Muslim faithful at the Oke Baale praying ground to mark the end of the 30 days
Ramadan fast.
The governor’s convoy, which snaked through the capital city from the
Government House in Oke Fia to Oke Baale praying ground, created excitement as
residents trooped out in a show of solidarity for Aregbesola apparently because
of the forthcoming governorship poll slated for August 9.
Many of the residents who displayed Aregbesola’s campaign posters,
brooms and other insignias of support for the governor, also chanted various
songs, which indicated their readiness to resist any attempt to manipulate the
coming election.
At various points in the capital such as Oke Fia, Orita Olaiya,
Gbeemu,Oja Oba, up until the praying ground, the residents held Aregbesola’s
convoy hostage as they insisted he must stop to listen to their songs and see
them display their support for him.
Speaking immediately after the prayers, Aregbesola said for
Nigeria to be peaceful and progressive, Nigerians must promote religious
tolerance, endurance and forbearance.
He emphasised that Ramadan preaches tolerance, endurance and
forbearance, adding that the message is not for Muslims alone but for all
Nigerians.
He urged Muslims to imbibe the spirit of patience and tolerance,
which are the major characteristics of the 30 days fast.
He said if this is done the nation as a whole will be better for
it.
According to the governor: “Ramadan teaches tolerance, forbearance
and forgiveness.
“We want Muslims to imbibe the virtues of Ramadan in their day to
day lives and let it be part of their normal routine and in their daily
relationships.
“All Nigerians of whichever faith must imbibe the attribute of
tolerance, perseverance and forbearance.
“These are the things this country need now to guarantee peace and
stability that will make us to be productive.
“I urge us all to embrace love and endurance.
“It is when there is peace that we can pursue productive
engagements that will guarantee for us good life.”
Aregbesola added that it is in good life that that the people can
enjoy their existence, stressing that if the essence of life is for human
beings to live well, then peace, which is the only guarantee of happiness, must
be a watch word for all and sundry.
Concerning the coming election, Ogbeni Aregbesola explained that
he is believing in God and the overwhelming support of the people of the state
to be victorious in the poll.
Speaking earlier in his Eid el Fitr sermon, the President General
of the League of Imams and Alfas in the South West, including Edo and Delta
States, Sheik Mustapha Ajisafe, said Muslims should endeavour to continue
practising what Ramadan preaches even after the fast.
Ajisafe, who also called on the entire congregation to pray fervently
for Aregbesola, charged Muslims to remain steadfast and embrace always the
tenets of Islam.
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