President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, has urged Boko Haram insurgents and other agents of destabilisation across the country to retrace their steps and give peace a chance in the spirit of the Eid-el-fitri.

He said this on Wednesday in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, while also appealing to Muslim faithful in the country to sustain the values and virtues which the holy month of Ramadan taught them in their day-to-day relationship with God and fellow human beings.

While admitting that the present challenges are surmountable, Saraki opined that “if we all realign our character and deeds in tune with the wishes of Allah, only then will the country regain its lost glory. The citizenry must also uphold the virtues of good neighborliness and eschew intolerance of other people’s opinion, corruption, abuse of power, disregard for due process and disobedience to the laws of the land.”

Saraki added: “I urge all Nigerians, across religious divide, to remain steadfast, prayerful and patriotic. The virtues of moderation, piety, regular supplication to Allah and being our brother’s keeper should subsist beyond the Ramadan. Beyond this, every Nigerian should seek to contribute to rebuilding the nation with renewed vigour.

“Nigerians who nurse one grudge or the other against the state should seek for legitimate and peaceful means of expressing their grievances, so that it will be possible for their position to be better understood and addressed through constructive dialogue.

“Similarly, let us all refrain from using violence to express our stand on issues. Violence only destroys, it does not build. Let us also shun greed and other vices capable of undermining the socio-political growth of our dear nation.”

•Photo shows Senate President Saraki.

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