Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has urged governments at all levels to make the welfare of the people a priority in their post COVID-19 era plans.
Atiku made the call in a statement he issued on Saturday in Abuja to mark this year’s Eid-il-fitr celebration.
He advised those in leadership positions across the world to learn from numerous examples of how Prophet Muhammed (SAW) and his immediate disciples took the welfare of the people as priority in administration of a state.
He noted that the times called for sacrifice in leadership adding “This is no time for extravagance and living in luxury.”
The Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the 2019 elections, enjoined Muslims to always remember that it was part of their faith to protect all lives and to abide by regulations from those in authority.
He said that the guidlines about avoidance of crowded places, social distancing and regular washing of hands were for the benefit of humankind.
The statement read further: “Just as it was a Ramadan like none other, the Eid-il-fitr celebrations marking the end of the fasting this year too would be epochal.
READ ALSO: Eid-el-Fitr: Gbajabiamila, Wase Congratulate Muslims, Urge Prayers Against COVID-19
“I am sure there would be very few Muslims alive today – if any – who had witnessed a Ramadan fasting like the one we just had, and Eid celebration such as we would have this year without the mandatory congressional prayers.
“We fasted this year without spiritual acts of worship that accompany the Holy month of Ramadan like attending tafsir (evening sermons before breaking of fast), sharing of iftar with family, friends and the needy, and even the voluntary seclusion during the last ten days of the blessed Ramadan.
“But all these strictures could not have made our fasting less valid because, as Muslims, we believe that everything that happens is with the command of Almighty Allah.
“We are taught in the scripture and the Sunnah of Noble Prophet Muhammad (SAW) that God would test our faith individually and as an Ummah.
“The current situation of the COVID-19 pandemic is a test from Allah, and having fasted as we are enjoined as Muslims, let us continue to remember that it is part of our faith to protect all lives and to abide by regulations from those in authority, especially during a time of great uncertainty like this.”
The former Vice President wished all Nigerian Muslims and their counterparts across the world a more special celebration, filled with pleasant moments as they pray together and enjoy the day with their families.
