Former Kwara State Governor Bukola Saraki urged Nigerians yesterday to pray for the peace and stability of the country ahead of next year’s general elections.

Dr Saraki made the call in his Eid-el-Fitri message to Nigerians.

Also, Kwara State House of Assembly Speaker Razak Atunwa urged Muslims to live in peace.

Such virtues, he said, are the hallmarks of Ramadan and the ingredients needed to make the nation great.

Saraki, the senator representing Kwara Central, said: “Ahead of 2015, I want to use this annual occasion to implore Nigerians not to give up in the quest for a better nation. Let’s not give in for a leadership based on sympathy and the monetary value we stand to gain but on the ground of competence and a strong will to take Nigeria to a greater height.

“Let’s ensure we stay very united and indivisible by religious, ethnic, moral or political lines, because unity is a strong weapon for a better nation.

“Even as I urge Islamic leaders – from the Emirs to Sheiks and Imams – to further emphasise the core themes of Islam to their followers after Ramadan. I also urge us to let our fervent prayers for Nigeria exceed Ramadan season. Let’s continue to pray for peace, restoration and stability in Nigeria, particularly as 2015 is approaching.

“The holy month of Ramadan affords us the golden opportunity of renewal in thoughts and deeds towards our creator and humanity by prioritising core themes of Islam, which include peace, boundless love for one another, sincerity, holiness and respect for humanity.

“Importantly, the aforementioned themes should not end with the month of Ramadan. They should be effortlessly demonstrated after Ramadan to ameliorate Nigeria’s plight and make her into a better society where her current challenges of insecurity, disrespect for rule of law, corruption among others will become things of the past.”

The Speaker, in a statement by his media aide, Abdulrahman Sanni, urged Muslims to “use the occasion for sober reflection on issues aggravating ethno-religious and political skirmishes, insurgence, intolerant, nepotism and other factors threatening the stability and cooperate existence of a united Nigeria”.

Atunwa counselled that as the nation prepares for another round of general elections, politicians must avoid a do-or-die politics to further strengthen the nation’s hard-won democracy.