Lagos, Nigeria - President Olusegun Obasanjo has commenced fasting in line with the on-going Ramadan fast by the Muslims.
The annual Ramadan fast which started last saturday will last for 29 or 30 days in accordance with Islamic injuctions
Although, it was not clear whether the President's decision to join the fast was aiming at seeking a spriritual solution to the accusation and counter accusation of corrupt practices between him and his deputy Atiku Abubakar ,but a statement from the presidency quoted Obasanjo as explainig to Ministers and some of his personal aides whom he hosted at the first breaking of fast at State House on Monday that he has been "participating in the annual Ramadan fast with Muslims for the past seven years in order to help blunt the religious divisions in the country."
According to the statement signed by Musa Adwak " The President was speaking Irrespective of our acclaimed religions, when we join each other to dine and celebrate major events together, we are blunting the religious divisions and bringing each other closer," he stated.
According to the statement, "the Christian clergymen who had joined Obasanjo in breaking fast during Ramadan in the past found the experience worthy of emulation and pledged to do the same in their locations."
"President Obasanjo said the month of Ramadan must be recognised as a period for rededication, personal sacrifice, worship and commitment to God. We need all these in our country today"
He thanked the Ministers and his aides for their commitment, dedication, loyalty and sacrifice, and added that any worthy service must cost you something.
Earlier, the Head of Service of the Federation, Alhaji Yayale Ahmed, had commended the President for taking spiritual leadership by participating in the Ramadan fast even though he was not a Muslim.
He said this years fast was at a time when the country was passing through trials, but added that President Obasanjo was no stranger to trials, and God had always seen him through. He stated that the President's consistent stand for truth and correctness was a great example to Nigerians, worthy of emulation.
Others at the breaking of fast included the Ministers of Water Resources, Commerce, Labour, Works (State), Education (State), Director General, Budget, Chairman, Nigerian Railway Corporation and Senior Special Assistant, Aviation.