2014: Clerics Urge Nigerians to Embrace Peace, Unity

Alhaji Haroon Daya-Biu, a Muslim cleric in Epe Local Government of Lagos State, has urged Muslims and Christians to embrace the peace and live in unity in 2014.

Daya-Biu, who is the Head of “Ratibi Imam” in Epe, gave the advice on Tuesday night at a special prayer, tagged “Tahajjud Night”, to mark the end of 2013.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that “Ratibi” means smaller mosques within the community that are not central mosques.

In his message, Daya-Biu appealed to both Christians and Muslims to live in unity and embrace the peace to enhance progress in the country.

The cleric urged adherents of both religions to show love to one another.

“Muslims love peace, Islam does not preach violence and we are peaceful people.

“That is why we are going to use this prayer to pray for the peaceful coexistence of Muslims and our Christian brothers and sisters.

“We all must pray for peace and development in Nigeria.

“God, who brought us together, does not make mistakes.

“He does His things with care and He did not bring us together to fight and kill one another,” he said.

Daya-Biu called on Muslims and Christians to collectively observe one day fasting and prayer for the peace and unity of the country.

He urged Muslims to use the season to pray to Allah for forgiveness of sins and to stay away from vices that were against the teachings of Prophet Mohammed.

The cleric wished Nigerians prosperous New Year and prayed that God would continue to bless President Goodluck Jonathan and the political and religious leaders.

Similarly, in a New Year sermon, Pastor Sola Ojedokun of The Redeemed Christian Church of God, Tabernacle Parish, Bariga, called for love and peace among the people.

Ojedokun prayed that 2014 would be a better year for the people of Lagos State and Nigeria in general.

“As we reflect on the true meaning of the New Year and God’s abiding love to mankind, may the joy of the season and God’s loving kindness be with us in 2014 and beyond.

“As followers of Christ, let us, therefore, show love; be kind to one another and work for peaceful and harmonious co-existence in our communities,” Ojedokun said.