An Islamic cleric, Alhaji Musiliudeen Abbas, on Sunday called on all Nigerians, irrespective of faith or creed, to pray for peace to reign in the country.
Abbas, who is the Chief Imam of Oluwashogo Mosque, Ipaja, Lagos, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.
According to him, the country is facing serious security challenges with the Boko Haram insurgency, as well as with clashes and killings in some parts of the country.
“Nigeria is indeed going through trying times with pockets of Boko Haram attacks in the North-East, herdsmen /farmers’ clashes and banditry in some states.
“The activities of criminals, saboteurs and ethnic tensions in some areas are threatening our collective peace.
“The government, through the security agencies is doing its best, however, that we still have these problems means there is still more to be done.
“I think we need divine intervention so that peace can replace insurgency, clashes and killings in the country.
“Nigerians, irrespective of whether they are Christians or Muslims, should continually pray for peace to reign in the country,’’ he said.
Abbas also urged Nigerians to love one another and see themselves as one people of the same country.
According to him, love for one another will promote peaceful co-existence.
The cleric also advised governments at all levels to be alive to their responsibilities to the people, saying that this would reduce tension and promote peace.
“Politicians should avoid actions or statements that can create violence or create tension in the land.
“As we approach the election year, they should shun violence and caution their supporters against it,” Abbas added. (NAN)
