The Chairman, Northern States Governors' Forum (NSGF) and Governor of Niger State, Dr. Mu'azu Babangida Aliyu, has called on Muslim ummah to use the period of Ramadan fasting to pray for Allah's guidance, protection and peaceful co-existence among all Nigerians.

Governor Aliyu in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Israel Ebije, argued that Nigerians must rise up to the social, political and economic challenges towards attainment of socio-political and economic greatness as the giant of Africa.

He therefore urged Muslims to use the period to reflect on the past, evaluate the present and project into the future adding that currently all is not well with Nigeria especially in the area of collective aspiration, socio-political trust and most importantly security of lives and property.

While urging Muslims to pray fervently that Allah exposes all perpetrators of evil in Nigeria as they pursue their self-based political agenda, Governor Aliyu however expressed regrets that the backlash of the insurgency is more on the downtrodden who are either killed or exposed to suspicion by security operatives on a daily basis.

The governor however challenged all Nigerians to continue to have faith on the government and security agencies as there is hope that normalcy would return within shortest possible time.

In a special message to Muslims, Kwara State Governor, Dr. Abdulfatah Ahmed, charged Muslim faithful to use the holy month of Ramadan to intensify prayers for the restoration of peace and unity in the country in the face of increasing security challenges.

Governor Ahmed enjoined them to also use the month to show kindness and love to the less privileged in the society to bridge the gap between the rich and the poor in the country.

The Governor also advised family heads to make adequate provision for their household during the Ramadan, pointing out that Allah's blessing and mercy awaits such family heads.

Governor Jonah Jang of Plateau State has urged Muslims in the state and Nigeria in general to practise the true tenets of the religion in their daily lives.

Governor Jang stated this at the weekend in his good will message to Muslims as they start the Ramadan fast.

Governor Jang stressed that if all religions follow the teachings in their holy books, the world would have achieved greater harmony and peace.

He urged Muslims to pray for the peace, unity and stability of the nation, stressing that he appreciates the prayers of various religious faithful for the country.