From Priscilla Ediare, Ado-Ekiti
Members of the National Assembly under the auspices of the Southern Senators Forum have urged Nigerians against disintegration and war. They appealed to them to embrace peace and dialogue in settling all differences.
The Senators said the country’s diversity has been its greatest strength, respect and reckoning in the global politics, maintaining that Nigeria has immeasurable dividends to savour in staying united than disintegrating into fragments.
The Senators saluted Muslims for their contributions to the stability of this nation, urging them to sustain the tempo for Nigeria to regain its strength economically, politically and in all ramifications.
This was contained in an Eid-el-Kabir message congratulating Muslims and signed by the Forum’s Chairman and Senator representing Ekiti Central, Opeyemi Bamidele, on Sunday.
The All Progressives Congress Senator warned that the country has nothing to gain with the deafening wardrums being beaten over agitations in some quarters, saying such demands can still be achieved through dialogue, understanding and mutual respect.
Bamidele urged Muslims to offer prayer supplications for Nigeria as they celebrate Sallah for Allah to rescue the nation from the dungeon of kidnappings, carnages of multifaceted dimensions and threat of secession.
“This is the most challenging time for this nation and we need God’s urgent intervention to rescue us from this unpalatable situation.
“This is not the time for blame-game or exchange of tantrums on the basis of ethnicity, politics and religion that can exacerbate already tensed condition and stoke the ember of disunity amongst our diverse ethnic nationalities.
“The combined effects of the COVID-19 and insecurity have affected our economy adversely. Food inflation is crippling the economy and the masses are groaning in excruciating pains.
“We need collective efforts to save the nation from this parlous situation. Our Muslim brothers have made huge sacrifices and this time offers another opportunity to help the country further with their prayers.
“We rejoice with them at this festive time and wish them a happy celebration”, the Forum said.