Leaders, clerics send their Sallah messages, emphasise security, peace
October 26, 2012 13:58
NAN-H-23
Sallah
Minna, Oct. 26, 2012 (NAN) Gov Babaginda Aliyu of Niger on Friday urged citizens of the state to be security conscious and report any suspicious movements, persons or group of persons to the nearest security agencies toward ensuring the safety of lives and property.
Aliyu made the call in a Sallah message which was broadcast to the people of the state.
He enjoined them to be security conscious during and after the Sallah celebration as it was a routine, collective responsibility.
``Let me call on all Nigerlites to be very vigilant and security conscious, and to report any suspicious movements, persons or group of persons to the nearest security agencies.
``Let us all be law abiding and go about our legitimate activities without any fear or intimidation, as the security agents have been put on alert to ensure the safety and security of all citizens in the state.’'
Aliyu also appealed to people of the state and other Nigerians to use the spirit of the season to embrace peace and to devote the period to extra-ordinary prayers for the peace, security and prosperity of the state and the country at large.
In a related development, Ebonyi government has restated its commitment to continued sponsorship of Muslim pilgrimage which was briefly suspended for economic reasons.
Gov. Martin Elechi, represented by his Deputy, Chief Dave Umahi, disclosed this on Friday in Abakaliki when the Muslim community in the state paid him a Sallah homage.
Elechi commended Muslims for appreciating the gesture and urged them to reciprocate by continuing to support the government in achieving its developmental objectives.
“The pilgrimage was earlier stopped due to economic reasons but reversed with the sponsorship of Muslim pilgrims for this year’s pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.
“Though it is not the responsibility of government to sponsor religious pilgrimages, we would however, continue assisting our Christian and Muslims brethren within our convenience.''
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that earlier in a goodwill message to Muslims in the state, Elechi charged them to rededicate themselves to the ideals of neighbourly love, peaceful co-existence and nation-building.
“These remain the cardinal teachings of Prophet Mohammed and are mostly needed at this time when our nation is faced with sundry socio-economic challenges and natural hazards.”
Prof. Obini Ekpe, leader of the Muslim delegation , thanked the governor for the reception and pledged that Muslims would continue to cooperate with the government to rapidly develop the state.
“We thank the government for lifting the suspension on sponsoring Muslim pilgrimage which helps in the spiritual rejuvenation of pilgrims.
“We assure that Muslims would continue to live harmoniously with adherents of other religions in the state for the promotion of peace and unity.”
Meanwhile, in a bid to sustain peace in Kaduna State, the Christian and Muslim Youth Peace Initiative of Nigeria on Friday fed 150 Almajiris across the 23 local government council areas in Kaduna.
Almajiris, are the less privileged people in the society.
Speaking while cutting the symbolic Ram for the Unity of both religions to mark the Sallah celebration, the Chairman of the Initiative, Diji Haruna said all residents of Kaduna, irrespective of the tribe and religion, needed peace.
Haruna said the celebration was to draw attention to critical groups of youths, the physically challenged, widows, orphans and Almajiri especially in Kaduna metropolis where there is recurrence of conflict to embrace peace.
Also speaking, the NUJ secretary, Kaduna State Chapter, Mallam Garba Muhammad, said the event was aimed at addressing issues on peace in Kaduna.
Muhammad said the venue of the event, which was NEPA roundabout, was expected to serve as Peace and Reconciliation Roundabout since it has a significant and unique position in Kaduna State.
He said similar event would be held for Christians during the Christmas Celebration to mark a significant milestone in peace development in Kaduna State.
In an interview during the event, Rev. Yunusa Nmadu, Chief Executive Officer, Christian Solidarity Worldwide said unemployment and poverty were not responsible for crisis in Nigeria.
He said what was responsible for lingering crisis in Nigeria was lack of fear of God and Insincerity.
Nmadu, urged pastors and Imams to devoid their preaching of falsehood and wrong teachings.
Also, the Chief Imam of Bayero University Mosque, Kano, Dr Abdullahi Muhammad, has called for the uplift in the spirit of brotherhood amongst politicians.
The Imam made the call today during the Eid-el-Kabir sermon held at BUK mosque at the University’s old campus.
“every human has a purpose for being created and no one should look down on another for a reason or two.”
The Imam, however, charged politicians to avoid sentiments that could cause hatred amongst them and their followers.
On his part, the Emir of Yauri in Kebbi, Dr. Zayyanu Abdullahi, has called on people in the emirate to accord priority to peaceful co-existence,strict religious practice,environmental and cultural protection.
Abdullahi gave the advise in Yauri on Friday in an address to the people as part of activities to mark the Eid-El-kabir celebration by Muslims.
He called on religious leaders to enlighten Muslims on the significance of sighting the Moon on monthly basis and expressed dismay that the Islamic community had neglected studies on the Islamic calendar.
"The people must learn their religion devoid of monetary gains".
Abdullahi also called on district heads and stakeholders on environmental management and protection, especially the campaign for citizens to embrace measures on environmental protection.(NAN)
Reporters/AK/MAU
===============
