‘We need peace to enjoy dividends of democracy’ - HAMZAT

Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat has emphasised the need for peaceful coexistence among Nigerians irrespective of religion or tribe in order to enjoy the plans, programmes and policies of government.

The Deputy Governor, who made the call on Sunday at the Eid-el-Kabir prayer held at the Dodan Barracks Praying Ground, Obalende-Lagos, urged all Lagosians and Nigerians to live peacefully amongst themselves, stressing that peaceful coexistence among Nigerians is essential as without peace, government cannot create jobs, provide infrastructure or embark on any laudable programme.

Hamzat also enjoined all muslims and residents in the State to embrace religious tolerance, stating that anyone that kills, kidnaps or maims in the name of any religion is either ignorant or does not understand his or her religion, as all religions preach peace.

According to him, “Islam forbids Killing, Kidnapping and all other bad things. If anybody says Allahu Akbar and kills somebody, you don’t understand Islam. Islam is a religion of peace and all Lagosians and Nigerians must learn to live in peace and create a peaceful environment”.

 In his sermon at the praying ground, the Grand Chief Imam of Lagos State, Shiekh Sulaiman Oluwatoyin Abou-Nolla averred that the faithful pursue peace as taught by the tenet of their faith, adding that anyone who kills is considered as having destroyed humanity.

"Islam enjoins sharing our good fortunes. As we eat, we must remember to give the less fortunate. While others sleep, we must rise and pray. Faith in God and not our status cum position determines our standing with God. There is only a brotherhood of men and no tribal leaning in faith” he said.