…Dogara, South-East govs, Aisha Buhari, APC greet Muslims
From Tunde Omolehin, Sokoto
Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar has urged the Federal Government to probe the source of weapons deployed in attacking communities across the country by suspected herdsmen.
He reiterated that real herdsmen move with their cows and sticks, not guns.
In his Eid-el Fitr message to the Muslim Ummah, he said: “The real herdsmen do not carry guns, but they only move with their cows and sticks. Agreed, there are bad eggs among the Fulanis, but those carrying arms and perpetrating heinous killings are not herdsmen. Those carrying arms are criminals and they should be treated as such.The government should, therefore, probe the sources of these weapons and take the appropriate action.”
The Sultan who also commended the Federal Government for measures so far taken to combat insurgency in the North-East, urged Nigerians to complement the efforts of the security agencies to make Nigeria more secure.
The sultan also urged the Muslim Ummah to continue to reflect and uphold the virtues learnt during the Ramadan fast, which include patience, perseverance and brotherliness.
Abubakar who appealed to Nigerians to sustain fervent prayers for Buhari, as well as for sustenance of peace and unity of Nigeria, also cautioned against complacency, saying, “the problem is not yet over.”
In a related development, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara said Nigeria’s diversity must be seen as a source of strength.
The Speaker, in a statement signed by his media aide, Turaki Hassan, enjoined Nigerians to continue to promote and strengthen the unity, peace and progress of the country at all times.
As they mark Eid-el-Fitr, South-East Governors’ Forum called on Muslim faithful to embrace peace and live in unity with their Christian brethren.
“We implore our Muslim brethren to remember the lessons of love, sacrifice and dedication to prayers for self and others which should remain with us at all times, especially at this time that the country is battling a myriad of challenges, which require utmost patriotic intervention of the entire citizenry,” the forum said in a statement issued by David Umahi, its chairman and governor of Ebonyi State.
Umahi, whose region has been the cradle of secession agitation in recent years, assured all Hausa residents across the South-East of maximum support and safety of their lives and businesses.
In another Sallah messages, wife of the President, Aisha Buhari complimented Nigerians and sued for a lasting peace amongst all ethnic groups and regions.
“I appeal to all to show a true sense of patriotism for national cohesion to ensure that Nigeria attains the greatness for which it was destined,” she said in a statement signed by her spokesperson, Suleiman Haruna.
Mrs. Buhari used her Sallah message to thank Nigerians once again for their fervent prayers for her ailing husband.
Also in the mood of Eid-Fitr, the All Progressives Congress (APC) called on Nigerians to remain peaceful and patient.
“The economic progress and development the country seeks cannot be achieved in a state of rancour, disunity and discord,” the party said, while acknowledging the harsh economic realities.