By Uche Amunike
The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, has felicitated with the leadership of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs and Muslim faithful as they celebrate Eid-el-Kabir, urging them to continue to embrace the virtues of love, peace, unity, kindness and sacrifice during and even after the Eid-el-Kabir festivities.
This was stated in a statement signed by the National General Secretary, Daramola Bade Joseph (Esq).
In the statement, which was titled, ‘Eid-el-Kabir: CAN Felicitates with Nigerian Muslim Ummah’, it partly read:
‘We felicitate with you for being alive to witness this day and celebrate despite the menace of insecurity challenges in the country occasioned by the criminal activities of bandits, kidnappers, terrorists, killer herdsmen and other undesirable elements.’
‘We, therefore, call on both the leaders and the followers of Islam to continue to embrace the virtues of love, peace, unity, kindness and sacrifice, as exemplified by the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW), during and after the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations. They should also use the occasion to pray for Nigeria to come out of these insecurity challenges better and greater.’
‘CAN also appeals to all security agencies especially the Police and the Army to rise up to the challenges with a view to preventing the unscrupulous criminals from attacking the innocent during and after the celebrations.’
‘Our governments at all levels should also be more mindful of the plights of the people whose lives and property have been under incessant attacks and threats as is the case in Kaduna State. It is becoming worrisome and of great concern to all and sundry.’
‘For the avoidance of doubt, the primary responsibility of any government is to protect lives and property under its care. To say that many families are mourning and gnashing teeth during this occasion is an understatement. Nigerians as a whole, Kaduna and some other states in particular are no longer sleeping with their two eyes closed because of the unending destruction of lives and property. May God intervene in our situations as soon as possible.’
‘We plead for uncompromising efforts and support of our law enforcement officers. We also appeal to the Federal Government to provide peaceful and conducive atmosphere for the celebrations of this great festival.’
On his part, the governor of Lagos State Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, while congratulating Nigerians, especially Muslims on the occasion of the Eid-el-Kabir festival has advised that they celebrate with caution and maintain all protocols against the spread of the virus.
In a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Gboyega Akosile, Sanwo-Olu advised Lagosians, especially Muslim faithful to imbibe the lessons of sacrifice made by Prophet Ibrahim and work for peace, stability, unity and progress of the country.
His words: ‘On behalf of my family and government of Lagos State, I join millions of people around the world, to wish our Muslim brothers and sisters in the state and in Nigeria happy Eid-el-Kabir, which comes with significant lessons for mankind’.
The Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Ahmed Bamalli family on his part, announced the cancellation of the Sallah celebration in the Zazzau Emirates owing to the breakout of the pandemic.
According to him the presidential committee on Corona virus shows that Kaduna state is one of the six States including the FCT that are on the red alert which made it proper to cancel the annual traditional festival.
A statement signed by the deputy governor, Dr Hadiza Balarabe noted that even at this time, when Muslim faithful are in the heat of the Eid-el-Kabir celebration, it is crucial that they beef up efforts targeting prevention and containment of the Delta variant of the virus.
She advised Kaduna residents to strictly adhere to all the protocols in places of religious worship. ‘Eid-el-Kabir prayer should be decentralized to neighborhood Friday mosques and all prayers should be conducted outdoor.
