The President-General of the Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Comrade Francis Bunu Abi, has felicitated Muslims in Nigeria and across the world on the occasion of Eid Maulud, urging Nigerians to embrace the virtues of love, peace, unity and peaceful coexistence.
Bunu said the celebration of the birth of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) provided an opportunity for Muslims and other Nigerians to reflect on his teachings, particularly his emphasis on love, compassion and peaceful coexistence.
According to a statement by the Head of Media, MWUN, Comrade John Ikemefuna on Tuesday, the union leader also called on Nigerians to uphold peace as the country approaches forthcoming elections, urging political actors and citizens to emulate the Prophet’s teachings and reject actions capable of deepening divisions in the country.
“As Nigerians, we should fundamentally reflect soberly on the teachings of the Prophet, most especially at this present situation of our country, where Nigerians have been massacred in their numbers, displaced, while some have been taken hostage and others forced into marriages.
“At this crucial period of Nigeria’s political weather, we must all embrace love, peace and unity to live as one family according to Islamic injunctions,” Ikemefuna quoted Bunu as saying.
Bunu condemned the killings, displacement, kidnappings and forced marriages reported in parts of northern Nigeria and other parts of the country, describing such acts as crimes against humanity.
He stressed the need for Nigerians to live together without fear and in peace and harmony, irrespective of tribe, language or religion, noting that all human beings were created by God and should therefore embrace the values of compassion and mutual respect.
The MWUN President-General also commended Nigerians for their resilience in the face of economic hardship, terrorism and kidnapping for ransom, expressing optimism that the country would soon experience greater hope, progress and abundance.
He wished Muslims in Nigeria and across the globe a happy Eid Maulud and prayed for peace, unity and prosperity in the country.
