Eid-el-fitr: Caution faithful giving bad name to Islam - CAN tells NSCIA 

Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has called on the leadership of Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) to use the occasion of Eid-el-Fitr celebration to caution Muslim extremists, who are not well-grounded in the faith and whose wicked and ungodly actions are giving bad names to Islam. 

CAN said no godly person would engage in the promotion of violence, kidnapping, banditry and terrorism or identify with the perpetrators. 

Its General Secretary, Joseph Daramola, who in a Sallah statement to mark the end of the holy month of Ramadan, expressed hope that the aftermath of this year’s Ramadan will usher in peace and unity into the country. 

He promised that CAN would not relent in promoting religious tolerance, peace and unity in Nigeria in collaboration with NSCIA genuinely.

“We remain partners in peacemaking. We should continue working together for peace, unity and progress of the country.  We recognise and appreciate the efforts that are being made by the police and other security agencies towards ensuring peaceful celebrations. May God put His fears into the hearts of our leaders to promptly do what is right, justly, and godly.”

Uzodimma hosts Muslims

Governor of Imo, Hope Uzodimma, hosted the Muslim community in the state to a banquet in the spirit of Eid-el-fitr celebration.

The banquet brought Muslim brothers and sisters in Imo State and their Christian counterparts together in a joyous mood as it provided them the opportunity to interact and share ideas.

Governor Uzodimma described the Eid-el-fitr celebration as a special day for Muslims all over the world after many days of fasting. 

He enjoined both Christians and Muslims to learn how to leave together; emphasising that Imo State is a peaceful state that has a peaceful position in the heart of God. 

Uzodimma said every citizen of Imo State must imbibe the spirit of co-existence and love for one another, thanking God that “in spite of the challenges of the past one year, we are all alive today to celebrate the Eid-el-fitr.”

He informed the audience that the invitation extended to the Muslim community to the banquet is to reassure them that they should go about their normal businesses without molestation, emphasising that the crisis of yesterday will never repeat itself in Imo State again.

“There will be no more violence in Imo State any longer,” he said.

He reassured the Muslims that the security in Imo is for all citizens both Christians and Muslims, and said the state is safe.

Muslim community extols Umahi’s leadership qualities

The Muslim community in Ebonyi State has extolled the leadership qualities and sense of commitment to national unity exhibited by Governor David Umahi in the last six years.

The group made the declaration when its members paid a Sallah visit to the governor, yesterday.

It affirmed its resolve to support the programmes and policies of the administration of Governor Umahi, describing him as a dynamic and foresighted leader who has brought unprecedented transformation in Ebonyi State.

In a communiqué signed by the Council of Ulama and leaders of the Muslim Forum Ebonyi State chapter, the group passed a vote of confidence in the governor and urged him to offer himself for greater national service in the interest of national development.

In his response, the governor represented by his deputy, Kelechi Igwe, commended the Muslim community for the well-thought communique and the warm sentiments rendered by them on the modest achievements of his administration. 

He thanked them for their promise of commitment to the security of the state and urged them to assist security agencies and the state government by giving information on any form of threat to the peace and security of the state.

Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, yesterday felicitated with Muslims faithful all over the world on the occasion of the Eid al-Fitr. He urges Muslims to continue to be law-abiding, has sober reflection and exhibits the imbibed lessons learnt during the period of Ramadan fast.

The minister salutes the commitment of clerics in enlightening their followers on various issues during the months, urging them to maintain the tempo even beyond the period of Ramadan.

This is contained in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media and Public Relations, Umar Gwandu, yesterday.

According to the minister, Ramadan fast comes with numerous lessons, including sincerity, honesty, commitment, sacrifice, selflessness, introspection and empathy.

Malami said the Federal Government is committed to ending insecurity in the country.