By Laleye Dipo
Former military Head of state General Abdulsalami Abubakar and the Niger state Governor Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello on Tuesday paid the traditional sallah homage to former military Head of State General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida at his uphill residence.
The duo drove directly from the Eid- prayer ground to the former military President’s residence after observing the two rakkat prayer.
Journalists were however not allowed to enter the residence of General Babangida during the visit.
It was observed that the former military president was not at the eid prayer ground for the Eid- il Kabir two rakkat prayer which could have necessitated the visit.
No reason was adduced for the former military President’s absence at the prayer.
The visit by the duo lasted barely one hour after which both leaders retired to their homes for continuation of the celebration.
Meanwhile, General Abubakar while speaking to newsmen after the prayer to mark this years eid il Kabir festival appealed to “miscreants” in the country to have a rethink and repent for peace and stability to reign in Nigeria.
He also prayed to Allah to touch the hearts of these criminal elements so that they will denounce banditry, kidnapping, cattle rustling and all other forms of criminality.
Abdulsalami after congratulating Muslims on the celebration, charged them to continue to remain peaceful and orderly as well as to assist one another.
Governor Bello who also spoke to newsmen after the prayers harped on the need for peace and unity among all Nigerians.
He also called on Nigerians to pray fervently for peace and especially for the security agencies so that they will restore normalcy to troubled areas of the country.
Bello noted that most parts of Nigeria was bedevilled by insecurity but was optimistic that God will bring peace back to the Nation.
Former Niger state Governor Dr Muazu Babangida Aliyu while also exchanging views with newsmen after the prayers advised Nigerians to support and collaborate with government and security agencies to achieve maximum result.
Aliyu also implored leaders at all levels to come up with deliberate policy targeted at reducing the current hardship facing many Nigerians.
