Atiku urges Nigerians to conquer hate, political intolerance

In his Eid-el Kabir message to Nigerians which he released this morning, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar urged Nigerians to rid their hearts and minds of hate, intolerance and prejudice, which he says promotes violent conflicts and destruction of life and property in the country.

Atiku in his message said each passing day he is saddened by the 'deepening frenzy of hate, intolerance and bigotry', which produce toxic effects on unity and harmony among Nigerians.

He appealed to Nigerians to use religion to create a conflict free society, adding that "love is the universal language of all the world’s religions.". He urged Muslims and other Nigerians to be good ambassadors of the teachings of their own religions.

He particularly appealed to Muslim faithful to pay greater attention to stemming and eliminating poisonous extremist tendencies by ensuring that people with violent ideologies are not allowed to influence the innocent in the wrong direction. He said Muslims must speak with one voice against extremism because of the great harm its causing the image of Islam and its adherents. He said the greatest honour Muslims can do to their religion is to live by its virtues.

The former Vice President wished Muslims a happy and peaceful Sallah celebration.