Bello made the appeal in Lokoja on Thursday at a news conference to celebrate the birth of Prophet Mohammed.

He said that no nation could grow under an atmosphere of chaos and instability.

He advised Muslims to use the period to reflect on the state of the nation and be law-abiding.

Bello called on Muslims to continue to uphold the legacy of peace bequeathed to them by Prophet Mohammed, saying that recent happenings in the country had made it compelling for all Nigerians to work for peace.

“The fundamental message of the Prophet is love, peaceful co-existence and sharing of fellowship with all people of faith,” he said.

He also directed Imams of various mosques in the state to conduct special prayer sessions for the country and all its leaders from local government to federal levels.

Bello also called on leaders at all levels to fear Allah in the discharge of their responsibilities to the citizens, saying that the situation in the country called for a sober reflection on the part of political leaders.

He urged the nation’s leaders to emulate the simplicity, humility and exemplary leadership style of Prophet Mohammed in order to put the country back on track and save it from collapse.

“The well-to-do individuals should show empathy to the poor and the needy in the society and forgive one another in the spirit of Eid-el-Maulud,” he said.

Bello commended President Muhammadu Buhari for the way he had been handling issues pertaining to religion since his assumption of office, especially the establishment of the inter-religious council.

He also commended Gov. Yahaya Bello for his encouragement and support to religious groups in the state.

He urged the governor to continue to ensure peaceful co-existence of the people irrespective of religion and tribe.

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The former governor of Abia, while commending religious leaders and traditional rulers for promoting peace and unity across the country, urged Ingrains to use the season for sober reflection and devotion.

Kalu, in a goodwill message, admonished Muslim faithful to offer prayers for unity, peace and progress of Nigeria during the period.

He also applauded religious leaders for educating their followers and Nigerians at large on the need for religious tolerance and mutual respect.

He stressed that Nigerians must imbibe the spirit of togetherness, brotherhood and selflessness despite ethnic, religious and political differences for the sake of national unity.

Kalu urged Muslims to uphold the teachings of the holy Quran, while demonstrating forgiveness, piety, charity and patriotism in their daily pursuits.

“I join our Muslim brothers and sisters to mark this year’s Eid el- Maulud in commemoration of the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad.

“This is not a period for merry making but a time for sober reflection as individuals and as a nation.

“We must demonstrate the exemplary qualities of Prophet Muhammed in our daily lives.

“The citizenry and government must work harmoniously for the sake of building a united Nigeria.

“It is only in an atmosphere of peace and tranquility, that sustainable development can be achieved.

“We must resist any attempt by unpatriotic and selfish individuals to divide the country.

“Nigeria must remain one united entity for Nigerians to reap the diverse potential of the heterogeneous nature of the country,” Kalu said.

Kalu used the opportunity to call on the youths to shun all acts of violence, while admonishing Nigerians to channel their grievances against government through legitimate platforms.

He noted that the recent #EndSARS protest across the country was hijacked by hoodlums, thugs and miscreants resulting in loss of lives and property.

He emphasised that the political class must live up to expectations in meeting the yearnings and aspirations of the people.

“The peaceful EndSARS protesters have made their demands known to the Federal Government and the President deserves commendation for the immediate dissolution of Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).

He, however, urged the youths and the Federal Government to engage in dialogue in a bid to address other demands of the protesters.

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Lawan’s felicitation is contained in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media Ola Awoniyi in Abuja on Wednesday.

He said that this year’s celebration came at a time that Nigeria was striving to restore law and order in the aftermath of the #EndSARS protests.

“Our harrowing experience over the past few weeks underscores the need for us as a people of faith to imbibe and demonstrate in our every conduct the virtues of love, peace and tolerance which Prophet Mohammed personifies.

“This trying time requires our prayers and supplications to Allah to intervene to restore peace and love of neighbours to our land.

“However, it also requires of us introspection as to the roles we are playing as leaders and individual citizens in building the nation that we desire.

He said that the protesters had made their points in their patriotic demands for better policing and political governance and had secured the commitment of the government to addressing the issues that they raised.

“I urge our youths in the spirit of this occasion to embrace peace and engage government through dialogue, as the corrections they seek can only manifest under a peaceful atmosphere,” Lawan said.

The Senate President reiterated the commitment of the ninth National Assembly to the entrenchment of processes that would encourage the youth to tap their talents and pursue their dreams for the elevation of Nigeria.

Lawan expressed confidence that the trials would ultimately strengthen our bonds as citizens of the same nation and propel Nigeria to its great destiny.

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Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, disclosed this is in a statement by the ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Mohammed Manga, on Tuesday in Abuja.

Aregbesola, who made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government, congratulated the Muslim faithful both at home and abroad for witnessing the occasion.

He enjoined the Muslims to imbibe the spirit of love, patience and perseverance which were the virtues of the Prophet Muhammad, adding that doing so would guarantee peace and security in the country.

The minister admonished Muslims to follow the teachings of the Holy Quran in Chapter 4 Verse 59 which says: “O you who believe, Obey God and His Messenger, and those from among you vested with authority.

“And if you are to dispute among yourselves about anything, refer it to God and the Messenger, if indeed you believe in God and the Last Day. This is the best (for you), and fairest in the end”.

Aregbesola also urged Nigerians to abhor violence, lawlessness and daylight robbery as witnessed across the country in recent time.

He, however, stressed that Nigeria was the pride of the black race and should provide responsible leadership for the greatness and development of the African continent and all black race.

The minister called for a stop to all divisive tendencies across the country.

He also urged Nigerians and the youth to embrace peace and cooperate with the Federal Government in its efforts to build a virile nation, which all citizens could be proud of.

Aregbesola, who described the youth as the hope and future of the nation, advised them to deepen democracy tenets.

“With democracy in place. We can overcome our challenges. The challenges of nationhood that we face are surmountable if we work through the democratic process.

“I’m wishing all the Muslims a happy Eid-el-Maulud celebration and all Nigerians a happy holiday.”

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