- Fasua tasks Muslims on prayers
Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja
The former Vice President and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Atiku Abubakar had urged the Muslim faithful and indeed all Nigerians, to learn to be one another’s keeper.
Similarly, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Dr. Victor Oye, has urged Nigerian Muslim faithfuls to see the Eid el-Kabir as a feast of sacrifice and show of love to one another.
In a message to Muslims on the occasion of the celebration of this year’s Eid el-Kabir festival, Atiku called for sober reflection, prayers, cooperation and the display of solidarity among Nigerians so that no one feels left out.
In a press statement issued by his Media Office in Abuja, the former vice president congratulated Muslims on the celebration of the festival, urging them to use the opportunity to reflect on the situation in the country and lend one another a shoulder of support.
Atiku said Nigerians should go and celebrate like other people in the world in spite of the economic situation that has hit the country hard, assuring them that this storm will pass away. He added that rather than despair, the occasion calls for sober reflection, prayers, cooperation and the display of solidarity among Nigerians so that no one feels left out.
He urged Nigerians to continue to work hard, persevere and pray for the success of the policies and measures being put in place by the APC government of President Muhammadu Buhari to restore the nation’s economy to good health and improve the lives of the people.
Atiku counselled Nigerians saying that the situation of things in the country will take some time to improve because a lot was left undone for too long by previous leaders of the country. He assured them that there is always a silver lining at the end of a dark cloud.
While wishing the Muslim faithful and all Nigerians a joyous celebration, he said, considering how challenging basic survival has become, “this is the time for all Nigerians without exception to invoke the spirit of brotherhood and communal fraternity to beat the reality of the hard times.” He noted that with mutual help, everyone will come out stronger to see better days.
Similarly, the APGA National Chairman, Dr. Oye, has urged Nigerian Muslim faithfuls to see the Eid el-Kabir as a feast of sacrifice.
In a statement issued by APGA’s National Director of Publicity, Ifeanacho Oguejiofor, the party exhorted them as they celebrate as well as in the mood of happiness to use this period to deeply reflect spiritually and rejuvenate themselves accordingly with the cardinal teachings of Allah the most beneficent, which promotes peace, care, love for one another and the common good.
In the statement, APGA chairman urged Nigerians not to be disillusioned and hopeless about the myriad difficult challenges bedevilling the country but to be unfazed, up and doing, alive to their citizenry obligations, stop ostentatious living and life of self-delusion, never allow to be hoodwinked with falsehood, not to be complacent or ally when rights are being abused or under subjugation.
He advised them not to allow the current economic meltdown to dampen the symbolic importance and the spiritual essence of the celebration. Moreso, he called on the haves among them not to forget to share with the have-nots in their midst especially those in the camps of internally displaced persons (IDP). He also urged that all hands be the deck to steer the ship of state out of the turbulent waters.
Meanwhile, the Vice President of Supreme Council for Islamic, Affairs Alhaji Dauda Ajagu has called for sober reflection during the festivities.
In a statement issued yesterday which was made available to THISDAY in Awka, Anambra state, Ajagu said: “Let’s stop blaming President Muhammadu Buhari for the present economic downturn we find ourselves.”
On the activities of herdsmen across the country, he counseled carefulness in the way their pastor their cows while in other peoples’ community, stressing that their provocative behaviour carrying sophisticated arms like AK47 and invading people’s farmlands with their cows are capable of igniting another tribal war in the country.
“Let them maintain the rules and regulations guiding peace and tranquility. We have fought a tribal war before; we don’t want to fight again. All we need at this point in time is absolute peace”, he said.
Meanwhile, Ondo State governorship candidate for the Citizens Popular Party, (CPP), Prince Peter Oyeleye Fasua, has described the Sallah period as a moment for sober reflection, “in view of the hydra-headed socio-economic and political problems facing Nigeria”.
Fasua, who spoke to journalists during a courtesy visit on Senator Bode Olajumoke in his Imeri, Ondo State country home, stressed that more time should be devoted to prayers at the Muslim praying grounds, in intercession for Nigeria.
“I want to appeal to my Muslim brothers and sisters, to see this glorious moment as another opportunity to beseech Allah to visit Nigeria, touch the hearts of our political leaders and give them direction. Already, we are facing a hydra-headed socio-political and economic situation.”
The candidate added that beyond the revelry of the Sallah celebration, the Muslim Ummahs should declare a solemn assembly in appealing to Allah to help the country’s leadership to gain focus.
He particularly commended the existing harmonious relationship between Muslims and Christians in Ondo State, stressing that such should be emulated in other parts of the country.
Fasua added that as a way of balancing the religious equation in the state, he had resolved to pick a Muslim running mate; he, being a Christian. He also commended Olajumoke, describing him as “an unusual inspiration, trying to bring this perverse generation back on the right track.”
