‘Let us imbibe traits of contentment, discipline, faithfulness’

“Let us know that all questionable and impure wealth earned by Muslims as politicians, businessmen, professionals and artisans would lead to perils in this world and the hereafter, because Allah is pure, He will accept nothing but what is pure. Let us imbibe the traits of contentment, discipline, faithfulness, hardwork, selflessness, integrity and patriotism bequeathed to us by the noble Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him)” These were the major Sallah message to Nigerians during the Eid el Kabir celbrations.

The Islamic organizations, including The Muslim Congress (TMC), The Companion, Muslim Rights Concern, Papa Ajao Muslim Assembly, among others in separate statements, urged the populace to support government’s agenda and embrace the spirit of love and tolerance.

The groups felicitate with the entire Muslim ummah to supplicate to Allah for the continued corporate existence of Nigeria and seek divine guidance for the leadership at all levels. Ameer, TMC, Luqman AbdurRaheem, congratulates all Muslims in Nigeria on the occasion of Eidul-Adha, one the two important festivals in Islam – the other being Eidul-Fitri.

He said this is a period of celebration and merry-making; it is also an opportune time to show empathy to fellow Muslims and Non-Muslims through sharing and giving, by providing assistance in cash and in kind to those in serious need.

“More importantly, it is a time for Nigerian Muslims to reflect on the nation’s socio-economic woes, massive unemployment, rising incidence of poverty and insecurity of lives and properties. Let us support our esteemed President Muhammadu Buhari in his fight against corruption and bad governance. “It is worrisome and unfortunate that while other countries have continued to enjoy monumental increase in their oil wealth, millions of Nigerians are wallowing in poverty, diseases and destitution because of absence of prudence, transparency and accountability in the manner government businesses are run by the nation’s politicians and technocrats.

“Let us know that all questionable and impure wealth earned by Muslims as politicians, businessmen, professionals and artisans would lead to perils in this world and the hereafter, because Allah is pure, He will accept nothing but what is pure. Let us imbibe the traits of contentment, discipline, faithfulness, hardwork, selflessness, integrity and patriotism bequeathed to us by the noble Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him)” he said. National Amir (President), The Companion, Alhaji Thabit Wale Sonaike, called on Muslims to celebrate in moderation, reflect on the lessons of the sacrifice and imbibe the true spirit of selfless service to Allah and humanity.

“We remember fellow Muslims and others in one form of bondage or another and pray Allah to rescue them and ease their affairs. We pray for peace, stability and progress in Nigeria and enjoin all Muslims to join us in prayer for our leaders. May Allah guide them to the right path in their conduct over our affairs.”As we gradually approach the general elections, Sholanke called on Nigerians who are yet to register to vote to take advantage of the extension of the voters registration exercise to register.

“INEC should also make the exercise a seamless process devoid of hardship for the citizens. Disturbing cases of unclaimed PVC is also a source of concern. We call on INEC, political parties and other stake holders to collaborate and fashion out an acceptable device to encourage and make the collection of PVC hitch free.“ The process should be de-centralise as much as possible. No eligible voter should be disenfranchised on account of flawed process of PVC distribution and collection,” he stated.

The Companion leader also urged the legislators to accelerate the legislative process involved in passing the budget of INEC.“ Everything lawful must be done to avoid throwing the country into an avoidable constitutional crisis and political lock-jam that may arise from the politicking currently going on in the national assembly on one hand and between the legislatures and the executives on the other hand on the quick passage of the INEC budget.”he stated.

Director, MURIC, Professor Ishaq Akintola, lamented the spate of killings which took place around the country in the past few months. He commended government, the police in particular and other security agencies for rising to the challenge and for bringing the killings to a halt. Akintola however stressed that there is still much to be done in the area of empowering the police and improving their welfare in order to ensure an enduring security of lives and properties.

He reminded that the security of lives and properties is the basic function of government as enshrined in Article 14 Section 2(b) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria which states inter alia, “the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government”.