By; JACOB ONJEWU DICKSON
As the Ramadan fast begins today, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has enjoined the Muslim Ummah in Gombe State and the citizenry in general to use the opportunity provided by the Holy month to pray fervently for peace, development as well as prosperity of the State and Nigeria.
According to a statement signed by the Director-General (Press Affairs) Government House Gombe, Ismaila Uba Misilli, in a goodwill message to mark the commencement of the Ramadan fast, Governor Inuwa stressed the need for all and sundry to play their roles in finding new directions toward fixing the problems bedevilling the country.
He particularly admonished Muslims to embrace piety as demanded of them during the month- long fast.
He said, “as one of the five pillars of Islam, Ramadan fast avails the Ummah a golden opportunity for spiritual rejuvenation and devotion through supplication and other acts of worship”.
The Governor added that, “We therefore must use this opportunity to pray fervently for our dear state and the nation as well as for those in authority as we collectively battle to combat the many socio-economic challenges facing our nation and humanity.
He expressed optimism that with prayers, commitment and patriotism of the citizens, the country will surely overcome its challenges and emerge stronger.
He also urged the clerics to preach on the importance of peaceful coexistence during their Tafsir sessions and avoid anything that would jeopardise the peace and unity of the state and the country, just as he admonished the well-to- do individuals in the society to assist those in need.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya, particularly admonished the Muslim Ummah to always demonstrate in their lives the spirit and ideals of Ramadan and by extension, Islam by living according to the tenets of the religion, which promotes peace, kindness and obedience.
He also urged the people of the state to continue to be law- abiding and not to compromise the prevailing peaceful co-existence of the jewel state with any myopic sentiment.
The governor concluded saying, “On our part, we shall continue to live up to our commitment of ensuring peaceful coexistence as well as guaranteeing security and wellbeing of the people.
