Senate Leader, Opeyemi felicitates Muslim on Eid al-Fitr

Nigeria’s Senate Leader, Michael Bamidele Opeyemi Thursday, felicitated Muslim as they rounded off Ramadan, the holy month of fasting in Islam.

Senator Bamidele prayed for God to accept the sacrifices of fasting of all Nigerian muslim celebrating Eid al-Fitr across the federation.

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Inna statement made available to CAPITAL POST on Thursday in Abuja, he noted that in the last month, Muslim families, friends and communities consecrated all to God Almighty in fasting and prayer, love and charity, introspection and retrospection, at the time of global uncertainty.

He wrote: “At home, Eid al-Fitr presents a vivid template of peaceful co-existence given the recent bomb explosions in Maiduguri, Borno State that cost some lives and inflicted much injury.

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“This season should make us better people in all facets of life. It ought to daily guide the behaviour of every individual, the conduct of every leader and the policies of governments at national and subnational levels.

“While we commend our defence, intelligence and security communities for standing strong at this challenging time, it is important to point out the exigency of recalibrating our strategy for countering violent extremism and terrorism.

“We believe the kinetic approach is key to restoring peace and ensuring security nationwide. But time and experience have shown that kinetic operations alone cannot guarantee the peace and stability of our nation.”

The lawmaker further urged Nigeria to move away from the ugly past now that Ramadan is ended to investing in people, reflecting the huge obligations upon our political, religious, and socio-cultural leaders across the federation.

He urged religious leaders to emphasise tolerance in their teachings and stop radicalising their disciples and followers.

He said: “As for socio-cultural leaders, they must embrace dialogue to resolve inter-ethnic conflicts rather than resort to armed struggle.

“Politically, too, countering violent extremism is not only the mandate of the federal government. It is also a long-term mission that will emphasize the input of subnational governments.

“It simply requires the subnational governments to make human capital development the cornerstone of their response strategy.

“This entails investing purposefully in basic education; prioritising healthcare and nutrition; creating safety nets for the downtrodden, and developing an ecosystem that fosters creativity and innovation.

“At the National Assembly, we are already working out a multi-pronged approach to forging national development and security. That is why the Senate constituted an Ad-hoc Committee on National Security Summit with the mandate to unravel the root causes of insecurity.

“The same reason inspired the ongoing review of the 1999 Constitution. When completed, it will incorporate fresh amendments that will expand the powers of the subnational governments to play a key role in the security of their territories.

“While the National Assembly remains resolute in tightening laws to support the fight against violent extremism, I wish all who celebrate Eid al-Fitr the warmest celebration.”

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