Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja
The Minister of State, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, has urged leaders across the country to lead with the fear of Allah and not to be autocratic.
She gave the advice Tuesday when she hosted Muslims at the Iftar breaking of fast in Abuja and admonished all to continue to pray for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for progress and the zeal to surmount current challenges facing the country.
Mahmoud urged Abuja residents to always embrace peace irrespective of religion and political differences.
“My door is always open for suggestions, assistance and advice. If you are a leader, don’t be an autocratic leader, carry everybody along and that is what we are doing.
“I appreciate you all for attending this year’s Iftar which means the breaking of fast during Ramadan. As we all know, Ramadan is a special month amongst the 12 months of the Islamic calendar.
“Nigeria is one nation; we are all one. We should love one another and that is the reason behind this Iftar. It is through this kind of medium that women can come together. We all, irrespective of party affiliations, are one and we need to come together, understand each other, accept each other for us to move the nation forward.
“If we want to support the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu and the renewed hope initiative of the wife of the president, we need to unite. I appreciate the ministers for their support,” Mahmoud said.
Also speaking, the Deputy National Women Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Zainab Ibrahim, urged Nigerians to pray for the country during these challenging times.
“Both Muslims and Christians are fasting. I commend the FCT Minister and the FCT Minister of State for the transformation taking place in FCT. This is the time to pray more for our dear country and our leaders. We all know what the country is going through and I want us to know that it is a global thing, it is not just Nigeria and this is the particular month when Allah answers the prayers of worshipers. I want us to double our efforts in prayers for Nigeria and for our leaders,” she said.
