Press Releases

Ramadan: Fashola Calls For Voluntary Compliance With The Law, Vigilance From Residents
…Says Security men still working hard on missing NTA presenter, Gawat

Jul 20, 2012 - Lagos State Governor, Mr Babatunde Fashola (SAN) on Friday joined other Muslim faithful in observing the first Tarawih prayers in the month of Ramadan, calling for voluntary compliance with the law from all residents of the State.

The Governor who spoke at the Lagos House, Ikeja before a gathering which included the Deputy Governor, Hon. Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, members of the State Executive Council, Clerics and Islamic scholars from various local government councils in the State said people should discard the notion that it is only the government that should enforce law and order.

He explained that the present administration is committed to the enforcement of law and order in the State, adding that just as people can discern what is good from what is bad, people should desist from things that are bad and for which they won't want to be caught.

He stated that it is only when people respect law and order by obeying the laws of the land and supporting government that they can enjoy the benefits of the lofty programmes that the government have in stock for the populace.

Emphasizing the need for sustained vigilance as an essential aspect of security, the Governor also tasked everyone to always be very observant and conscious of developments in their neighbourhoods, adding that each time visitors and strange faces come into the neigbourhood, people should be able to ask questions because that is the only way to secure the environment and the State.

Governor Fashola who also spoke on the missing Muslim television programme presenter, Alhaji Razaq Gawat, said he is still convinced based on the assurances he has got from law enforcement agents that he would be found.

He urged all Muslims to continue to pray for his safety till he is found by the security agencies who are still working clues that could lead to his being found.

The Governor also prayed that just as all faithful who gathered last year in supplication to Almighty Allah that they should be preserved to witness another had their prayers answered, all heartfelt prayers of the faithful during the 2012 Ramadan will also be acceptable before Almighty Allah.

In a short lecture on the Duties of Muslims during Ramadan before the Tarawih prayers, a Muslim Cleric, the Chief Missioner of IKHWAN Society of Nigeria, Alhaji Abdul Hakeem Lawal said the duties of a Muslim during the period of Ramadan and non- fasting period are essentially the same about fearing Allah and worshipping Him, adding that the duties expected of a Muslim during the Ramadan must be all encompassing.

He said all Muslims should use the period of Ramadan as a period of spiritual rejuvenation before the Almighty Allah, adding that the self- denial and piety during the period of fasting also creates opportunity for all Muslims to come together.

The programme featured readings from the Holy Quran by Muslim clerics which included the Chief Imam of Lagos, Alhaji Liadi Akinola Ibrahim and prayers for the first family, the various arms of government and peaceful co-existence in Lagos State and the nation.