The National Chairman of All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, has urged the Muslim Ummah to emulate the virtues of the Prophet of Islam, Muhammad, as the world marks Eid-el Maulud.

This is contained in a statement signed by the National Chairman of the party on Wednesday in Abuja.

"As we celebrate the birth of Prophet Muhammad, we should seize this opportunity to rededicate ourselves to bridging the gap that divides us.

" We must reflect on the manifest destiny of our beloved country, especially in the prevailing circumstances of insecurity, hunger, joblessness and misery plaguing our fatherland."

Onu urged all Nigerians to remain optimistic that Nigeria would get it right for the sake of both the present and future generations.

He also stressed the need for Nigerians to be firm and resolute "in our collective determination to ensure political stability, economic progress and social rebirth".

Onu appealed to the Federal Government to consolidate Nigeria's democracy and stengthen Nigerians' faith in free and fair elections necessary for entrenching good governance.

According to him, Nigerians should exercise their fundamental rights for the good of all as peacefully and lawfully as possible during elections.

" This attitude of conduct has become very necessary as we enter our 100th year of nationhood.

"The task of building a nation has not been easy, but we will never give up the dream of a new Nigeria where all Nigerians will be proud of the country and all foreigners will respect her.

" We in ANPP are confident that after rainfall would follow sunshine, and we wish all Muslims a most fulfilling Eid-el Maulud," Onu said. (NAN)