President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, late on Sunday urged Muslim Faithful across the country to use the period of this year's Ramadan to pray for peace, security and God's intervention in tackling the myriad socio-economic challenges confronting the nation.

Saraki, in a statement to mark the commencement of this year’s Ramadan fasting season signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, thanked God for the grace to participate in another holy obligation as enjoined by the Holy Quran.

He said: “We have entered into another season of rededication to the worship of God and service to humanity. This is a major commandment to mankind and a season of sacrifice and forgiveness. I enjoin all Muslim faithful to rededicate themselves to the true ideals of Islam as a religion of peace.

“Let us exploit the grace in this season to seek God’s divine intervention in our lingering economic and security challenges. As a nation, we need God’s power to overcome our present situation. Fasting is not mere abstinence from food, drink and worldly pleasures alone, but a time to seek Allah's power through prayers to be able to faithfully carry out the sublime injunctions of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SWT) who was sent by Almighty Allah to show humanity the way of holiness, peace and brotherly kindness.”

Saraki said while the Muslim faithful fervently strive for improvement in the living standards of the people, the Federal Government will on its part ensure that the right policies and laws that would make life more meaningful in the country are put in place and dutifully enforced to bring about prosperity and harmony in the society.

He also stated that the present administration will continue to work to ensure that insurgents, terrorists, militia groups and other criminal elements that have plunged some parts of the country into a state of anarchy are flushed out.

Saraki further urged all Nigerians “not to succumb to despair but to remain steadfast in the firm conviction that with courage, determination, focus and collective will, the country will ultimately overcome its present travails and emerge prosperous and peaceful once more.”

•Photo shows Saraki.

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