Ramadan: Adjust to the new reality imposed by COVID-19, Atiku urges Muslims
By Chinagorom Ugwu
Nigeria’s former Vice-President, Atiku Abubakar has urged Muslims to be steadfast and adjust to the new reality imposed by the coronavirus disease across the globe as Muslims commence 2020 Ramadan today.
The former presidential candidate during the 2019 election, in his Ramadan message to Muslims through his verified twitter handle, said although it is not the best of times, but we must make sacrifices if we must defeat the scourge of the coronavirus regretting that our social life and religious activities had been disrupted by the lockdown of sections of the country.
He said: “The novel coronavirus, which originated from Wuhan in China has spread to no less than 210 countries and territories as at today.
“Sadly, Nigeria has not been spared by this scourge. We have seen figure rise to 981 with 31 deaths as at April 23, 2020.
“But we’ve had to make sacrifices, and much more is required of us in the days ahead if we must defeat the scourge of this plague. Our social life has been disrupted by the lockdown of sections of our country and the practice of social distancing.
“Against this backdrop, I urge Muslims to be steadfast and adjust to the new reality imposed by the corona virus disease. These challenges are test of our faith and resilience in our in the face of tough times”.
Atiku who described the situation as a moment of trial, enjoined all Muslim faithful to pray for the country as this difficult moment when the corona virus has paralyzed every aspect of our social lives.
Atiku, however, charged Muslims to remain good ambassadors of Islam by promoting peace, unity, tolerance and peaceful coexistence at all times while also cautioning them to observe all guidelines of the Nigerian Center for Disease Control (NCDC) aimed at stemming the spread of the virus.
His words: “Notwithstanding, it is pertinent upon Muslims to continue to be the good ambassadors of Islam by promoting peace, unity, tolerance, harmony and peaceful coexistence at all times. Above all, it is imperative that we observe all guideline aimed at stemming the spread of the virus, much so as it is the teaching of the Noble Prophet Mohammed (SWT) during plague seasons such as this”.
