Northern leaders in Rivers State have called on their fellow Muslims in the state to see the Ed-el-kabir (Sallah) celebration as a period for sober reflection and continue to uphold the tenant of Islamic faith and maintain peace to enthrone development as well as canvas support for President Buhari against Boko Haram.
The chairman of Northern Community in Rivers State, Alhaji Muhammadu Ali Kwande JP, Alhaji T. Wada, Alhaji Usman Ibrahim Arewa consultative forum Rivers State chapter made the call while in their separate chat with journalists during this year Eid-el-kabir (Sallah) celebration last weekend in Port Harcourt.
According to Ali Kwande JP after praying at the Lagos Bus-stop prayer ground, the celebration of Ed-ikabir is a celebration to rekindle back the preaching and practices of Prophet Mohammed which anchored on love, unity and good neighbourliness, adding that the celebration coincides with the nation’s 55th independence anniversary which call for peace and national stability.
Alhaji Kwande in his opinion maintained that the Muslims festival came at a time when Nigeria is witnessing real change for progress and social economic development.
The Northern leaders however enjoined Christians and Muslims to sustain the existing cordial relationship between them to enable the present administration at the federal, state and local government levels pull their resources together in the fight against Boko Haram insurgence in the country with a view to focusing on the prevailing views for greater heights.
Alhaji kwande who lauded the existence of peace in Rivers State stressed that peace is the only panacea that will usher in the desire stable economy and secure the nation for people to live.
He commended President Muhammadu Buhari of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for the way he is piloting the nation expressing optimism that the president would take Nigeria to a greater height and enjoined Nigerians to support him achieve the goal.
In a chat with journalists during the Eid-el-kabir celebration Alh. Usman Ibrahim T/Wada the chairman Arewa consultative forum Rivers State chapter while thanking God for keeping the Muslims alive till the festival period noted that there is a great advancement in this year Eid-el-kabir Sallah festival compared to the previous years.
He congratulated Muhammadu Buhari for his effort in piloting the affairs of the nation effectively.
He however appealed to President Buhari to create employment opportunity for the unemployed youths to reduce youth restiveness.
He commended Barr. Nyesom Wike for fulfilling his promise of giving the Muslims in Rivers State the opportunity to celebrate their festival in peace and without difficulty and lauded him for his developmental stride in Rivers State.
He enjoined Muslims in Rivers State to be law abiding citizens and maintain peace in the state to attract development.
Similarly, a Muslim leader in the state Mohammed Jemel expressed gratitude to Allah for celebrating this year Muslims festival in peace revealing that this year Muslims festival was better than last year.
Muhammadu Jemel who chat with journalists in Port Harcourt during the Muslims festival congratulated the Muslims for their maturity and peaceful attitude and enjoined them to sustain the peace.
He commended President Muhammadu Buhari for his good leadership.
According to him, “the country major challenge is Boko Haram, Nigerians should joined hands with the federal government under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari to fight against the insurgence to a stand still”. ###
Emeka Jilly Ejiowhor
