Ibekimi Oriamaja Reports
President Muhammadu Buhari has urged Nigerians, particularly Muslims, to learn the virtue of patience in the face of adversity and to coexist peacefully with people of other faiths, just as the Prophet Muhammad did in his day.
The President made the appeal in his goodwill message to Muslims on the occasion of Maulud, the birthday of Prophet Muhammad, on Friday. Mallam Garba Shehu, his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, issued a statement with the message.
According to the President, “the prophet became famous for his life of humility, justice, and fairness,” and that the Prophet demonstrated “a remarkable life of patience under provocation and honoured treaties with non-Muslims for peaceful coexistence.”
He urged Muslims, however, to “practice the noble and shining virtues of the Prophet,” stating that “the best way to honor him is to follow his good examples.”
“The Prophet attracted people to Islam through personal examples of honesty, trustworthiness, justice, patience, and tolerance,” President Buhari says.
President Buhari went on to say that “honesty was one of Muhammad’s greatest virtues, and every good Muslim should emulate him.”
The President used the occasion to urge all Nigerians to join the government in its ongoing efforts to eradicate insecurity and corruption, to show greater respect for women, children, and the less able, and to show love and understanding for one another.
He also urged politicians to avoid using expletives and cuss words during this election season, as well as the unwelcome culture of demeaning and humiliating opponents.
The President reiterated his commitment to holding free, fair, and transparent elections in 2023.
