Nigerian politicians have been urged to cut back on their lavish spending and make a concerted effort to improve the miserable living conditions of common Nigerians.
This call was made yesterday by the leader of Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) and Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar (III), in an Eid-el-Kabir message to Nigerians.
The Sultan, who declared that Nigeria is at a crossroads in every ramification considering the challenges facing the country, urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other new leaders to do everything possible as fast as they can to make life easier for the Nigerian masses.
JNI, in a statement issued by its secretary general, Prof. Khalid Abubakar Aliyu, to felicitate with Muslims on Eid-el-Kabir, expressed concern at the continuous deteriorating condition of the average Nigerian due to extreme poverty and high level of inflation.
The statement reads in part: “On this joyous occasion, JNI would like to extend its felicitations to the new leaders at all levels in the executive and legislative arms. They should be mindful of the trust reposed in them by Allah and humanity on which they will be asked to give account on the Day of Judgement.
“It appears that only the common Nigerians are making painful sacrifices to keep the nation moving but the leaders are perpetually living in affluence to the detriment of the malnourished commoners. The JNI, therefore, call on the leaders to cut their extravagant lifestyles, make adjustments and come up with policies that will make the life of the common Nigerian a bit comfortable.”
JNI added that Eidul Adha is a significant festival celebrated by Muslims worldwide to commemorate the devotion and obedience of Prophet Ibrahim (A.S) to Allah’s command, as well as his willingness to sacrifice his son, Ismail (A.S), as an act of submission and faith.
“This auspicious occasion serves as a reminder of the values of sacrifice, compassion, and unity that are at the core of Islam. As we gather with family, friends, and loved ones to observe the Eid, let us reflect upon the importance of selflessness and generosity,” it added.
We Must Make Sacrifices For The Nation – Tinubu
President Bola Tinubu yesterday in Lagos urged Nigerians to have faith in God that the country will experience peace, stability and prosperity.
Speaking to reporters after observing the Eid-el-Kabir prayers at Dodan Barracks prayer ground, the President stressed the need for unity and coopertion, even as appealed to Nigerians to eschew ethnic and religious rivalries.
While noting that Allah would not burden the country with what it cannot bear, the president in a statement by his presidential spokesman, Dele Alake, said: ”I thank Almighty Allah for keeping us in good health till today and pray to Him to grant us robust health and prosperity. May our sacrifices turn to prosperity. We have to make the sacrifices and that is clear; we have to.
”But Allah will not give you a burden that you cannot carry. He is there for us. We must have faith in the country, have faith in ourselves, believing that as citizens of this country, we must join hands to build the nation.
”No religious identity, no tribal identity, let us live with one another in joy and prosperity. Nigeria will see peace, stability and God will grant peace to those of us at the warfront.”
The president also used the occasion to pray for Nigerian troops at the frontlines in the fight against insurgency, saying it is his earnest desire and that of the nation that they emerge victorious.
The Eid prayer, which started at 9am, was led by the Chief Imam of Lagos State, Sheikh Sulaiman Oluwatoyin Abu-Nolah.
The Chief Imam later performed the obligatory slaughtering of ram at the Eid prayer ground in celebration of the significance of the noble act of Prophet Ibrahim in total obedience to Allah’s command.
Speaking on behalf of Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat felicitated Muslims across Nigeria and in the state on the Eid-el-Kabir celebration, urging them to unite behind President Tinubu in his determination to make the country better.
“It is our duty to pray for our leaders. We must pray for our president that God should help him to succeed in the task before him.”
The prayer was attended by the chief of staff to the president, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila; the national security adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; former governor of Lagos State and immediate past minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola; and Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, among other notable government officials and top politicians.
On his part, Vice President Kashim Shettima has called on Nigerians to imbibe the virtues of sacrifice and forgiveness while praying for the unity and progress of the country.
Shettima made the call yesterday in a message to mark this year’s celebrations.
The vice president had earlier observed the Eid prayers at the National Eid ground, Abuja, in the company of Speaker House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, and Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, among other faithful.
According to him, “This sacred day is an occasion to reflect on the mercy of Allah, as revealed through the gracious blessings bestowed upon Prophet Abraham and his son, Prophet Isma’il.