Abuja – The Senate President, David Mark, on Thursday urged Muslims to reflect and imbibe the true teachings of Prophet Muhammad.
This is contained in a statement of felicitation to Muslims and all other Nigerians signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Paul Mumeh, to mark this year’s Eid-el- Mawlud in Abuja.
“We should reflect and indeed imbibe the true teachings of Prophet Muhammad.
Those attributes of love, selfless service, sacrifice and care, especially for the less privileged, should of a necessity be our guide today,’’ he said
Mark also called for sustained prayers, honesty and unwavering commitment to the ideals of nationhood on the part of all to help the country out of the myriads of challenges, especially insecurity.
He said religious leaders must always preach love, peace and unity and to consciously harp on those things that largely bind the country together as people with a common destiny and heritage.
“The Almighty creator in His infinite mercies blessed Nigeria with abundant human and natural resources that should be tapped and harnessed for the benefit of all,’’ Mark said.
On the forthcoming general elections, the senate president allayed widely held fears that it might be accompanied with violence.
“ The exercise would mark a positive turning point in the nation’s political life, instead.
“ The central government has put enough safe guard measures in place including improved security network to ensure hitch-free polls.
“My confidence is heightened against the backdrop that Nigerians are more enlightened , wiser and conscious of their rights and privileges which they would not allow to be manipulated by desperate public office seekers.
“Nigerians now know that our destiny is in our hands. Citizens now know the value of their votes. They can no longer be teleguided,’’ Mark said.
According to him, people will vote according to their choices and the votes will count.
“Nothing should be taken for granted as all citizens must accept security as a patriotic duty of all in order to chase away bad elements among us,’’ the senate president said.
Mark also cautioned against mudslinging and politics of bitterness, saying the political space was wide enough for interested persons to pursue their respective ambitions.