The pursuit of unity and peace should be uppermost in the mind of every citizen if Nigeria is to retrace its step to the path of glory, progress, growth and sustainable development.

This was the message sent to Nigerians the Governor of Osun State, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, on the occasion of the Eid-il-Fitr celebration.

Aregbesola, in a statement by the Director, Bureau of Communications and Strategy, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon, said as a nation, what the people, leaders and followers, need to do is to come together and forge a harmonious relationship for the betterment of the country.

He called on the Muslim faithful to draw abundantly from the lessons of Ramadan, which include spirit of commitment, Spartan discipline, obedience and love of Allah, and apply them to their fellow human beings irrespective of ethnic and religious differences.

He enjoined the people of the state to always be law abiding and worthy ambassadors wherever they go within and outside the country.

Besides, the governor condemned in strong terms, what he described as 'heinous killings prevalent across the country, especially the sectarian violence of the militant Boko Haram group in some states in the northern part of the country.

"I am always miffed by the activities of those who claim they are fighting on behalf of Allah. The Prophet Muhammad fought for his right to practise his religion, he never fought to compel people to worship according to the dictate of Islam.

"We should therefore come together and iron out our differences and resolve with strong conviction to work together as peoples from diverse backgrounds but with a common destiny," Aregbesola said.

Quoting from the Holy Qura'n which said that 'Take not life which God hath made sacred except by way of justice and law, (Q 6 v 151), Aregbesola said lives of fellow human beings must be protected at all times and in whatever circumstance.

"His love for us was evidently manifest in the success and peaceful conduct of the July 14 governorship election, which has now been adjudged the freest and fairest in the history of the state.

"I wish all the faithful happy Eid-el-Fitri."