Secondus: Pray to Allah to Send a Rescuer

Our Correspondents 

 The National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Uche Secondus, has asked Nigerian Muslims to use the solemn  period of Sallah to pray for the almighty God to send a rescuer to save Nigeria from her current precarious situation.

Secondus said in a message to mark the Eid-el-Kabir festivities by Muslims that the suffering of Nigerians in the past three and half years of All Progressives Congress (APC) administration should be enough mitigation to plead to God to send a rescuer in 2019 to save them from further pains.

The National Chairman said in a message from his media office signed by his Media Adviser, Ike Abonyi, that Nigerians should also use the period to offer special prayers for the unity and stability of the nation as well as recommit their individual and collective security and economic welfare into the hands of God.

He said the special prayers have become very necessary as the nation is now, more than ever before in dire need of divine intervention, especially as citizens cope with dictatorship and the sudden hardship.

The PDP leader noted that this Sallah period coming at this trying time, offers the citizens an opportunity to put aside every political, religious and ethnic sentiments and unite against their prevailing common challenges.

“There is no dispute to the fact that Nigerians did not bargain for what they are getting in the hands of APC but the beauty of democracy is that it provides the people an opportunity to make changes and this they must ask Allah to guide them accordingly.

“It is a statement of fact that this is one of the most gloomiest Sallah in our country and so it has been since APC administration came into power

 “We have all witnessed the unfortunate turn of events in our country since 2015, particularly the sudden decline in the economy, rising dictatorship, political tension, avoidable bloodletting and general insecurity in the land.” 

Okowa Congratulates Muslims, Urges Prayers for Leaders

 Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has called on Nigerians to put aside their religious and political differences and push for a united country as Muslims mark the celebration of this year’s Eid-el-Kabir.

He urged the Muslims to emulate the Holy Prophet Mohammed by imbibing the ideals of sacrifice exemplified by the prophet.

Okowa, in a Sallah message by his Chief Press Secretary, Charles Aniagwu, said Eid-el-Kabir was a season of love, peace, togetherness and sacrifice.

“I enjoin you to use the period to uphold the spiritual benefit of the celebration by extending a hand of friendship and solidarity across all divides and imbibing the spirit of sacrifice and obedience to the higher authority as exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim and upheld by Prophet Muhammed.

“This is an opportunity for us to reflect and pray for our nation; and for all those in leadership positions so that God in his infinite mercy will continue to guide them as they steer the affairs of the country,” Okowa said.

He assured the people of Delta State that the state government would work with security agencies to ensure that all citizens celebrate the Sallah in peace and harmony.

While thanking the state Muslim community for the consistent support that they had always extended to his administration, Governor Okowa congratulated the Muslim community in Delta State on the Sallah celebration, assuring them that his administration would continue to partner them to move the state forward.

Emulate Prophet Ibrahim, Ayade Urges Muslims

 Cross River State Governor, Professor Ben Ayade, has felicitated with Muslims in the country on the festival of Eid-el-Kabir.

The Governor harped on peace and sacrifice as Muslims in Nigeria join their counterparts round the world to mark the occasion.

He enjoined them to imbibe the spirit of love, obedience, sacrifice and sharing that the celebrationnof Eid-el-Kabir signifies in line with the  principle  of Islam.

In a Sallah message signed  by his Chief Press Secretary and Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mr Christian Ita, the governor  charged Muslims and Nigerians to be ready to make the sacrifices necessary for the progress of the country, which is currently passing through challenging times.

Ayade said Nigerians should keep aside all forms of religious, ethnic and tribal sentiments, in the interest of unity, progress, peace  and prosperity of the country.

“The Eid-el-Kabir presents an opportunity for Muslim faithfuls to reflect on the faith, which prophet Ibrahim dutifully agreed to sacrifice his son in obedience to the command of Allah.

“May I use this period of Eid-el-Kabir to speak to our souls and remind us that our nation is going through challenges and all of us must play our role to overcome these challenges.

“As a government we have provided a peaceful, conducive environment for all citizens to cohabit irrespective of their religion, tribe or ethnic coloration in Cross River State.”

While thanking Muslims in Cross River for making the state their home and also for supporting his administration, the Governor admonished Nigerians to shun acts capable of disrupting the unity, togetherness and peaceful co-existence of the country as the 2019 general election approaches.

Ugwuanyi at Mosque, Urges Special Prayers for President, VP, Others

Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State yesterday joined the Muslim community in Enugu at the Central Mosque, Owerri Road, to celebrate the feast of Eid-el-Kabir, calling for special prayers for President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and other leaders in the country.

Ugwuanyi, who was warmly received amid jubilation by Muslim faithful in the state, including the state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Danmallam Mohammed; the State Director, Department of Security Services (DSS); and Sarkin Hausawa, Alhaji Abukakar Yusuf Sambo, among others, felicitated with them and also called for a special prayer for Enugu State.

The governor expressed delight at the existing peace in Enugu State, which he said was responsible for the security of lives and property in the state, noting that “this has brought development.”

“As you celebrate in this season of sacrifice, may we all continue to see one another as brothers and sisters for the good of our dear state and our dear country Nigeria,” he added.

The Muslims, who appreciated the presence of Ugwuanyi at the mosque to celebrate with them also prayed for him and his administration for the guidance, peace, protection and blessings of Allah. The jubilant Muslim faithful equally commended the governor for the “marvelous” work he is doing in the state and reiterated their firm support for him in 2019 and beyond.

Speaking, the Sarkin Hausawa, Enugu State, Alhaji Sambo added that the feast of Eid-el-Kabir, “which is the Eid of sacrifice”, equally offered them the opportunity to celebrate the governor, saying: “we are also celebrating you because we have seen the significance of today in you.”

Ooni Urges Politicians to Refrain from Violence during Elections

 The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi,  has urged Nigerian politicians and party supporters to move away from promoting  violence during the forthcoming elections.

The Ooni gave the warning during the Eid-el-Kabir prayers at the Eid Praying Ground at Ilode, Ile-Ife.

The monarch noted that there was  no gain in violence saying that the nobody’s blood ought to be shed on account of elections.

He urged the youths to be conscious of their future and shun politicians who use them for violence at the detriment of their future.

Ogunwusi canvassed for peace and admonished all Nigerians to jointly work for the development and progress of the country.

However, in his sermon the Chief Imam of Ife Muslim Community, Alhaji Abdulsemiu AbdulHammed, called on the faithful to emulate the virtues  of Prophet Muhammed for peace and progress to reign supreme in the country.

Peterside Preaches Love and Peace

The Director General of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dakuku Peterside, has urged Nigerians to love one and live in peace as they celebrate Sallah. 

He also said the period of Sallah celebration is not only for merriment but a time to reflect on happenings in the country.

According to him, “The Sallah celebration is not meant only for wining and dining but a time to reflect on re-dedicating our love for the nation. We have to exhibit values of love, peace and prayer for the country. We should also use the occasion in striving to continue to serve humanity irrespective of tribe, creed or political leanings.

“As our country grapples with various challenges of development, this is also an apt period for all of us to pray earnestly to God to continue to bless Nigeria as well as guide and guard it as we approach the 2019 elections,” he stated.

Omisore Felicitates with Osun Muslims

 The Social Democratic Party (SDP) governorship candidate in Osun State for theSeptember 22 election, Senator Iyiola Omisore, has congratulated Muslims in the state on this year’s Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.

 Omisore in a Sallah message issued by his media team tasked Muslims in and across the state especially the Imams and the Alfas to commit the state in the hands of Allah for the election of a sincere and patriotic leader.

The SDP standard bearer disclosed that as the governorship polls in the state is few weeks ahead, there is need for the people particularly the Muslims to seek divine intervention on the need for a “free, fair, crisis free  and acceptable governorship election in the state.”

Senator Omisore stressed that the lessons of Eid-el-Kabir, which is obedience and trust in Allah should continue to be the guiding principles for the people of Osun State at this period of deciding who runs the affairs of the state in the coming years after the expiration of the tenure of office of the incumbent, Rauf Aregbesola later this year.

“As we are fast approaching the governorship election in our dear Osun state, I am again urging our people, particularly the political class to play the game according to the laid down rules and regulations guiding the conduct of the election. On the part of our religious leaders, it is now time for them to be preaching peace and the need for the coming election to be free and fair. “

Abe Felicitates with Muslims

The governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, Senator Magnus Ngei Abe, has felicitated with Muslims in the state on the occasion of this year’s Eid-El-Kabir celebration.

Abe, in a Sallah message, which was signed by his spokesperson, Parry Saroh Benson, congratulated the Muslim community in the state.

He implored Muslims to use the period of the celebration to pray for peace and security of Rivers State and Nigeria in general.

Abe, who is also the senator representing Rivers South-east senatorial district in the National Assembly, also urged them to continue to support the APC-led administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.

“In all that you do, always see the peace and security of Nigerians as a priority at all times because we have no other country but Nigeria,” Abe admonished Muslims.

The senator reiterate the need for  Rivers people to work together for the peace, progress and prosperity of Rivers State, insisting that all forms of violence including political violence must be condemned by all Rivers people.

Glo Felicitates with Muslims

 Integrated telecommunications company, Globacom, has felicitated with Nigerian Muslims on the celebration of the annual Islamic festival, Eid-El-Kabir.

 The company, in a press release in Lagos, urged Muslims to imbibe the virtues of humility, sacrifice, and sharing as demonstrated by the life and times of Prophet Muhammed.

“As Muslims savour the joy of Sallah, we call on them to demonstrate the spirit of tolerance, unity, forgiveness and love,” the statement said.

 “We urge them to use the occasion to continue to live up to the code of belief of their faith through acts of charity, peaceful co-existence with their neighbours and obedience to the injunctions of the Holy Quoran,” Glo added.

 Globacom also congratulated all Nigerians who have undertaken the Holy Pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia this year and asked for Allah’s mercies as they travel back home.