Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto and a PDP presidential aspirant has urged Nigerians to pray for peace and free 2023 general elections.

Mr Tambuwal made the call on Sunday in his Eid-el-fitr Sallah message to Sokoto people.

According to him, the substantial relaxation of COVID-19 containment measures across the globe restored freedom to Nigerians to pursue their socioeconomic activities.

“Also critical is the easing of regulations that now enable Muslim faithful to perform religious obligations outside our country. I wish to appeal that we exploit the opportunity to pray for peace in Nigeria and for the peaceful, free and fair elections that will usher in everlasting unity, stability and prosperity for our nation,” stated the Sokoto governor.

He added, “We should not lose sight of the fact that we have all sweated and bled to ensure that we put in place an enduring democratic culture. As a result, we must not allow our efforts to go in vain.”

The governor explained that his administration had not relented in their effort to tackle insecurity through support to security agencies and collaboration with the federal government and authorities in Niger Republic.

“Alarming incidents still occur in our communities but our collaboration is yielding positive results that lead to the capture and containing bandits and kidnappers in our state,” he acknowledged. “Nigerians must remain level headed and never politicize the security situation facing us.”

He also mentioned that Sokoto people must, “singularly and collectively,” continue to cooperate with the law enforcement agencies in “our quest to bring this obnoxious challenge to a grinding halt.”

Mr Tambuwal further urged Muslims to extend the discipline exhibited in the month of Ramadan by making sacrifices and doing many lawful things.

“This is in furtherance of the great lesson that has been enshrined in fasting which include self discipline, selflessness and sacrifice in the service of Allah and humanity,” he stressed. “In the light of this, concerted efforts must be made by all to keep the lesson of Ramadan fast alive, use it to make up with our fellow brothers and sisters and bring about the necessary cohesion in our society.”

He lauded the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar III, the Sultanate Council and ulamas for their support, encouragement and fatherly guidance in steering the affairs of Sokoto.

(NAN)