By Ibrahim Bello / Usman Aliyu/Ibrahim Bello
Abuja – Governors and Chief Imams have urged Moslem faithful to use the occasion of the Eid-el Kabir to pray for Nigeria economic recovery.
In Yenagoa, Gov. Seriake Dickson has enjoined Muslim faithful to use the period of Eid-el Kabir to pray for the unity, peace and prosperity of the of the country.
Dickson, also urged them to propagate the message of love, which remains the cornerstone and overriding principle for the adherents of every religion, including Islamic.
He, however, advised them to pray to Almighty Allah to always direct the leadership of the country aright all times, especially in this period of economic hardship.
According to him, the nation needs the collective prayers and unity of purpose not only to overcome its present problems, but to continue to occupy the enviable position of the giant of Africa.
The governor noted that this was the time Nigerians should come together and confront the myriad of problems facing the country, stressing that, with genuine love and unity of purpose.
“With this Nigeria can come out better from its current socio-economic woes.
“Islam is a religion of peace; I enjoin all the practitioners to follow the teachings of Prophet Mohammed that centres on tolerance, peace and brotherliness.
“Irrespective of our religions and tribes, what should be uppermost in our minds is the unity of Nigeria, since we don’t have any other country to call our own,” Dickson said.
The governor however, expressed to gratitude to Muslims in the State for their ever supportive and peaceful disposition.
In Birnin Kebbi, Gov. Atiku Bagudu urged the people to pray for the safe return of pilgrims from Saudi Arabia.
Bagudu spoke, while fielding questions from newsmen in Birnin Kebbi shortly after attending the Eid prayers.
“It’s important that we pray for the safe return of our pilgrims from the holyland who had devoted their time in prayers to the wellbeing of Nigeria.
“I pray that all our pilgrims return home safely to meet us,’’ he said.
Also, Alhaji Abubakar Malami, the Attorney-General of Federation and Minister of Justice, prayed for the safe return of the pilgrims.
Malami also called on Nigerians, irrespective of religion difference to pray for sustainable peace and development in the country in spite of the economic challenges.
He called for patience and understanding, saying “prayer is our weapon; we should continue to pray for Nigeria and love one another.’’
The Emir of Gwandu, and Chairman, Alhaji, Muhammad Bashar, urged the Federal Government to fast track its efforts to address the socioeconomic problems facing the country.
Bashar made the call when he addressed Muslim faithful at Eid ground in Brinin Kebbi on Monday.
Represented by Alhaji Abdullahi Umar, Wazirin Gwandu, Bashar called on government at all levels to quickly address the exorbitant prices of foodstuffs and other essential commodities.
According to him, a secured nation is the one whose citizens are insulated and secured from hunger, deprivations and poverty.
Bashar called on the governments at every level to create additional employment opportunities for the citizens.
He commended the Federal Government for addressing the insurgency in the North-East, and said that he was happy that normalcy had returned to the region.
According to him, traditional rulers will continue to support security agencies in the fight against the menace of insecurity through stakeholders meetings and offering of important advice to authorities.
Bashar noted that leaders needed prayers, useful advice and support not unguarded utterances and condemnation, adding that leaders should be responsible and responsive in their dealings.
In Ilorin, Alhaji Aliyu Baba, Baale of Agbeyangi in Ilorin-East has urged governments to prioritise rural development to reduce population density in the urban area.
Baba gave the charge in his Sallah sermon to mark the 2016 Eid-el Kabir at Agbeyangi on Monday.
“If rural communities are open to massive development, the rate of rural-urban migration will drastically reduce,’’ Baba said.
Malam Mahmud Bello, Chief Imam of Agbeyangi, in his sermon, charged Muslims to always show kindness and generosity toward their parents and orphans as enshrined in Holy Quran.
According to him, the wrath of Allah awaits those who disrespect their parents, especially during their old age.