*Shun divisive tendencies, Sultan urges Nigerians
*Let’s work harder to make Sokoto a model – Tambuwal
…Deji of Akure felicitates with Muslims over successful Eid celebration
The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General, Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has urged Nigerians to shun divisive tendencies and ensure Nigeria remains as one nation.
The leader of Nigeria’s over 90 million Muslims stated this in his Eid-ul-Adha message to Nigerians when he spoke in Sokoto on Friday.
“It is the responsibility of all Nigerians to work for the unity and better Nigeria,” he said.
The Sultan also pointed out that every Nigerian was free to live in any part of the country without discrimination or harassment.
He urged Nigerians to sustain their prayers for the total healing of President Muhammadu Buhari.
On this year’s hajj exercise, the Amirul Mu’mineen of Nigeria lauded the Sokoto State Government for ensuring the successful airlifting of the state’s pilgrims to Saudi Arabia.
The Sultan prayed for the safe return of all pilgrims from the holy land.
The Sultan spoke just as the Sokoto State Governor, Rt. Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, gave a statewide Sallah broadcast on Friday evening through which he addressed the minds of all the state residents to join hands together with his government in making Sokoto State a model.
Tambuwal, who noted that this year’s Eid-ul-Adha was yet another celebration “as we read in the Holy Qur’an when Prophet Ibrahim (AS) was about to sacrifice his son, Ismail, but Almighty Allah (swt) put a sheep in his place. As such, this Eid-ul-Adha, we celebrate Prophet Ibrahim’s complete obedience to the will of Allah and as a reminder of our own willingness to make sacrifice to the Almighty Allah.”
The governor therefore urged Muslims at all levels to share what they have with the less privilege among them.
He seized the broadcast to reiterate the commitment of his government provision of social amenities to the entire people in the state while he said his government’s priority for education, health and water supply remained unshaken.
He thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for approving the $5.7 billion Manbilla power project, which he said, when completed would serve a great deal of the needs of Nigerian public.
He then thanked the Sultan of Sokoto and Leader of Nigerian Muslims and other traditional and religious leaders in the state for their prayers and guidance.
The Deji and Paramount Ruler of Akure Kingdom in Ondo State, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, has felicitated with Muslim faithful across Nigeria and Akure in particular on the celebration of this year’s Eid-ul-Adha.
Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the Deji of Akure Kingdom, Mr. Michael Adeyeye, stated this in a statement he issued in Akure, the Ondo State capital, on Friday, copy of which was sent to The DEFENDER.
According to the statement, Oba Aladetoyinbo seized the opportunity of the Sallah festivity “to thank the Almighty Allah for the continued peace and harmonious relationship among the various religious faiths in Akure kingdom.”
It continued, “Today is considered as one of the biggest occasions for Muslim faithful across the globe. There is no gainsaying that this season teaches us a lot about absolute trust in God and to remain steadfast and committed in all we do.”
Oba Aladetoyinbo urged all Muslims to continue to pray for the economic recovery, unity and peace of the nation, saying, “This is a time that calls for a renewed commitment of all patriots to a more united and prosperous Nigeria of our dream.”
The Akure monarch thanked Allah for the recovery and safe return of President Muhammadu Buhari after his medical vacation in London, United Kingdom, adding that citizens must continue to pray that Allah would continue to give the President good health to steer the ship of the country to safe landing.
