As Muslims across the globe celebrates Eid, the Political Awareness Group, PAG has prayed for the safe return of students and teachers kidnapped across schools in Orire local government.
This was just as the Islamic group, in a joint statement by its chairman, Lukman Tunde Fasasi PhD and secretary, Adesola Miftaudeen Bamidele, it urged politicians to shun hate and divisive message as political season approaches.
*EID-EL-ADHA MESSAGE FROM THE POLITICAL AWARENESS GROUP TO MUSLIMS IN OYO STATE AND NIGERIA*
As-salaamu Alaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh.
All praise is due to Allah who has spared our lives to witness yet another blessed season of *Eid-el-Adha*, a period that reminds us of sacrifice, obedience, faith, peace, compassion, and total submission to the will of Allah.
As we celebrate this sacred occasion, the Political Awareness Group extends warm greetings to all Muslims in Oyo State, Nigeria, and the Muslim Ummah across the world. We pray that Allah accept our acts of worship, sacrifices, and supplications, and grant us abundant blessings, peace, and sustenance. Aamin.
At this critical moment in our national life, we call on all Muslims and indeed all Nigerians to intensify prayers for our dear country, especially in view of the disturbing level of insecurity across the nation. The growing incidents of kidnapping, killings, and violent crimes remain a serious concern. We particularly mourn the painful and tragic loss of lives in recent attacks, including the heartbreaking incident involving the murdered teacher, school pupils, and staff of public schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Ogbomoso. We pray that Allah forgive the departed souls, comfort their families, and restore peace, safety, and stability to our communities.
As the nation gradually moves into full political activities, with political parties rounding off their primaries and preparing for electoral contests, we emphasise the urgent need for peace, restraint, and responsible engagement. Politics should not become a source of hatred, division, violence, or destruction. Rather, it should serve as a means of promoting justice, fairness, development, and the welfare of the people.
We therefore enjoin Muslims to actively participate in the democratic process and vote wisely for candidates of their choice across party lines. Leadership should be entrusted to individuals of integrity, competence, compassion, accountability, and proven commitment to justice—people who will govern with the fear of Allah and make the welfare of the people their utmost priority.
We also stand firmly by our resolve that a good Muslim, irrespective of political party affiliation, shall remain an ideal candidate for the governorship of Oyo State, provided such a person is guided by the principles of fairness, justice, equity, competence, and political consciousness. A well-groomed, responsible, and capable Muslim leader who truly fears Allah will not deny any citizen their rights to good governance, justice, peace, and development, irrespective of religion, tribe, or social background.
Allah has described such believers as the best community raised for mankind—those who enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong. In leadership, this should translate into promoting justice, fairness, accountability, and standing firmly against oppression, corruption, and bad governance.
*Alhamdulillah*, from the outcomes of the primaries of various political parties, it is encouraging that some parties are already presenting highly competent, politically conscious, loyal, and capable Muslims for the governorship position. This gives Muslims and indeed all lovers of justice and good governance meaningful choices to make. We therefore urge the electorate to carefully assess candidates based on character, competence, sincerity, vision, and commitment to the welfare of the people.
At the same time, we reiterate that good governance must serve all citizens fairly and equitably. No leader, regardless of faith, should deprive people of other religions or communities of their constitutional rights, dignity, and opportunities.
We call on government at all levels to be more responsive, responsible, and compassionate to the plight of the people. The harsh economic realities facing Nigerians are increasingly pushing many into hardship, crime, desperation, and worsening health conditions. While policies aimed at economic growth and development may be necessary, such growth must translate into improved living conditions, social welfare, job opportunities, and meaningful relief for the ordinary citizen. The government must urgently implement people-centred policies that will cushion the excruciating effects of hardship and make life more bearable for the common man.
We also appeal to the people to shun corruption, dishonesty, and practices that encourage exploitation and injustice. Corruption eventually weakens institutions, destroys trust, deepens suffering, and often returns heavily upon society.
As we celebrate Eid-el-Adha, let us uphold the values of sacrifice, peace, unity, compassion, patience, and collective responsibility. Let this season strengthen our faith, renew our commitment to righteousness, and inspire us to work together for a safer, just, and more prosperous Nigeria.
We wish all Muslims in Oyo State, Nigeria, and across the world a peaceful, beneficial, and crime-free Eid-el-Adha celebration.
May Allah continue to bless our land, restore peace to our nation, provide for our sustenance, protect our people, guide our leaders aright, and grant us progress with justice and stability. Aamin.
*Eid Mubarak*.
E-Signed
Lukman Tunde Fasasi PhD
*Chairman*
Adesola Miftaudeen Bamidele
*Secretary*
for:
Political Awareness Group
Oyo State, Nigeria
