The Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Yahaya has enjoined Muslims to sacrifice more for the corporate existence of the country and in the spirit of the season.
Addressing Journalists shortly after observing the two Ra’kat prayers at the Gombe Central Eid Ground in Gombe, Governor Yahaya said; ”the virtue of Eid El-Kabir, which connotes love, obedience and sacrifice were needed for the corporate existence of the country and for individual relationship so that Nigerians can leave together as brothers and sisters.”
He said; “Our understanding transcends through religious divides and through our cultural and our geographical or political differences.. We should maintain that spirit and brotherhood, ensure the survival and success of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
The Governor equally urged Nigerians to continually pray for leaders of the country, especially President Muhammadu Buhari and members of the Federal Executive Council.
“And here in Gombe the Government, the traditional leadership and the leadership of the Ummah and our Christian brothers, the Clerics and the Church leaders so that all of us together, will work for the benefit of mankind and for the upliftment of the Nigerian society,” he stated.
Governor Yahaya noted that the country was going through hard times in areas of social economic political and health particularly with the challenges posed by the covid-19 Pandemic, He stressed that Nigerians needed to be together and support one another as the nation tackles the challenges.
Governor Yahaya prayed that the Almighty God would sustain and protect the country from the current calamities confronting it and for a successful and hitch free Sallah festivity.
He had earlier joined the Emir of Gombe, Dr Abubakar Shehu Abubakar lll, dignitaries and other Muslim faithful to observe the 2- Raka’at Eid prayer at Gombe central Eid praying ground to commemorate the start of the Eid el-Kabir festival.
Delivering his sermon, the Chief Imam of Gombe Central mosque, Sheikh Mohammed Pindiga, charged the congregation to translate the good virtues of Eid el-Kabir into the art of nation building through obedience to constituted authorities and sacrifice for the good of all.
He called on Muslim faithful to intensify prayers for return of peace in Nigeria and bumper harvest, especially at a time when rainy season is in full swing.
Sheikh Pindiga thereafter performed the symbolic slaughtering of a ram signifying the commencement of the festival in earnest.
At the Palace of the Emir of Gombe, Governor Muhammadu Yahaya and other dignitaries were treated to a colourful durbar to the admiration of all.
In his message to mark the religious festival, the Emir of Gombe, Dr. Abubakar Shehu Abubakar lll, called for sustained prayers for the nation and its leaders.
He equally enjoined famers to brace up for the rainy season, just as he emphasised the need for harmonious relationship among the diverse people of the state, especially between farmers and herders for a peaceful Gombe state.
The monarch commended Governor Yahaya’s leadership style and his unprecedented achievements in all facets of human endeavour within the last two years.
Mercy Chukwudiebere
