Eid-al-Fitr: Northern Leaders Advocate Unity Among Nigerians
Chinwe Onuigbo, Awka
The Chairman Northern Traditional Council of Nigeria, Anambra State Chapter, Alhaji Garba Haruna and has advocated for unity and peaceful coexistence among Muslims and Christians in Nigeria to jointly combat the lingering hunger, and economic hardship.
Alhaji Haruna, who spoke to Voice of Nigeria after prayers to mark this year’s Eid al-Fitr officiated by Mallam Umar in Awka, the state capital , called on Nigerians to irrespective of their faith especially the Muslims to strictly uphold the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad which he said were based on peace and building of serene society.
Alhaji Haruna, who is also the Serikin of the Hausa Community in Awka, Anambra State, stated that the Muslim Communities were living in a very cordial relationship with the communities in the host state.
“Eid al Fitr is a prayer in which we thank Allah for giving us strength to end the Ramadan successfully. During the Ramadan, all matured Muslims from the age of 18years must fast for 29 or 30 days depending on the Islamic calendar. Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam.
The five pillars of Islam are: Submit yourself to Almighty Allah, believe Prophet Muhammad is a messenger of Allah, believe there are five times prayer, believe there is Ramadan and believe that there is Hajj, going to Mecca.”
Alhaji Haruna emphasised that a good Muslim must believe in the five pillars of Islam.
He noted that the 30 days Ramadan fasting, afforded them an opportunity to pray for Nigerian Leaders, forgiveness of sins and ushering in a lasting peace and stability in Nigeria as no progress would emerge in a place devoid of peace. He further called for unity and team work by Nigerians irrespective of ethnic inclinations.
The Northern Leader, who lauded the Anambra State Governor, Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo who had through his massive road construction in every Community of Anambra State brought good governance down to the people, hence making the transportation of goods and services easier for the people.
He called on Nigerian Leaders to always fear God by doing their best and leave other things to God.
Alhaji Haruna also pleaded with Nigerian leaders to implement policies capable of assisting the citizens to survive the hard times in the country.
He enjoined Nigerians especially Muslims in the South East to always trust Allah and remain faithful to Him regardless of the harsh economic situation.
Also speaking to Voice of Nigeria, during Eid al Fitr celebration, the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association (MACBAN) chieftain and immediate past chairman MACBAN South East and leader of Fulanis in Awka, Anambra State, Alhaji Gidado Siddiki, said,
“This year’s Ramadan gave us another opportunity to intimately appraise the totality of our being – the material and the spiritual. While we will hardly just wish away the hardship visited on us by the actions and inactions of the authorities that superintended over our means of livelihood these past months, I enjoin us, particularly South East members of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders’ Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), to be upbeat in our quest for more appreciable terms of engagement with the governments of the geopolitical of our residence.
“We are manifestly appreciative of known expressions of warm fellowship as we solicit for expansion and sustenance of such expressions for a more flourishing business environment for our people in the South East.”
Alhaji Siddiki further appreciated the state governor, Professor Charles Soludo for recently hosting the northern leaders in the state and for consenting to their request to move their cattle market to a comfortable, permanent location in the state.
Dominica Nwabufo
