Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) and other prominent Islamic organisations have sent special greetings to the Nigerian Muslim community on the occasion of the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations, after a successful completion of the 29-day Ramadan fast.
Millions of Nigerian Muslims clad in beautiful and colourful ceremonial attires joined their counterparts from other parts of the world to observe the Eid-el-Fitri prayers yesterday, Tuesday, May 4, 2019 at various praying grounds across the country.
MURIC to Buhari: Eliminate all kidnappers’ hideouts
The Director of Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), Professor Ishaq Akintola, in his Eid-el-Fitr message advocated the use of the carrot and stick method against kidnappers, while adding that it is the panacea to the scourge of kidnapping ravaging several parts of Nigeria.
According to him, “it is high time we addressed the issue of kidnapping squarely. Our approach to it in this country is absolutely wrong. We surrender to kidnappers and pay ransom so easily. We don’t want to die because we are too materialistic. We have forgotten that life in this world is ephemeral.”
The Professor of Islamic Eschatology said criminals are enjoying such nefarious acts because they are having their way.
“While we subscribe to the theory that this is an uprising of the poor against the rich, I must affirm that the kidnappers in particular have gone too far. They went too far by failing to differentiate between the rich and the poor working-class people.
“They pick anybody up and compel the extended families and friends to pool their hard-earned resources together in order to pay ransom. It is time for the government, politicians, the press and the good people of Nigeria to adopt the ‘O to gee’ slogan and confront these kidnappers headlong,” he said.
The human rights organisation also called on the President to give marching orders to the heads of all security outfits to eliminate all known kidnappers’ camps and hideouts.
“He must give them a deadline for this assignment. They are to perform or get sacked. We are aware that our security men have not been able to storm the kidnappers’ camps for fear of killing some of the victims, not because they are afraid of the kidnappers,” he added.
FOMWAN to Nigerians: Put Nigeria first
The Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN) has congratulated Muslims across the globe on the successful completion of the holy month of Ramadan, while urging Muslims to further pray for Allah’s guidance for the newly sworn-in governments at the National and State levels.
In a press release jointly signed by its National President, Hajiya Halima Jibril and the National PRO, Dr. Sumaye Hamza, FOMWAN further charged all Nigerians to put Nigeria first in their dealings, while adding that a true spirit of patriotism is required to move Nigeria forward.
The umbrella Muslim women’s association further called on the Federal and State governments to focus more on quality education, job creation for the youth and reducing poverty among women for inclusive governance.
Govt must prioritise Nigerians’ welfare – MSSN Lagos
On his part, the Amir of the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Lagos State Area Unit, Dr Saheed Ashafa felicitated with the Muslim faithful, and urged Nigerians to continue with the spirit of Ramadan which has transformed individuals positively during the holy month of fasting.
The Muslim students’ body also advised leaders of government at all levels to render impactful service and give priority to improving the conditions of Nigerians, particularly the unemployed youth and children who are the future leaders of the country.
“We exhort the government to prioritise improving the living conditions of the downtrodden, the teeming unemployed youths and the vulnerable school children who are all at the mercy of the government,” he said.
Al-Mu’minaat to political leaders: Re-evaluate your policies
Al-Mu’minaat (The Believing Women) Organisation has rejoiced with Muslims in Nigeria and across the world on the occasion of the Eid-el-Fitri festival after the month-long Ramadan fast, during which Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari was sworn in for a second term.
In a press statement jointly signed by its National Amirah, Hajiah Nimotallah AbdulLateef and Hajiah Sherifah Ajibade, the coordinator of the society’s Social Advocacy Project (SAP), the women body called on President Buhari, old and newly elected governors to re-evaluate their policies and come up with new ones that will enhance the welfare of the people.
“The essence of leadership is to provide security of lives and property, and government as a whole should punish culprits and bring them to justice. Celebrating in a fear-laden atmosphere due to insecurity is not interesting at all. The Nigerian people deserve a better deal as we celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr and in our everyday lives,” the statement read.
Show care for the orphans, widows, afflicted – MPAC Nigeria
In its congratulatory message, the Muslim Public Affairs Centre (MPAC) Nigeria wished the Muslim faithful a blessed Eid-el-Fitr celebration filled with joy, prosperity and faith.
Abdulwarees Solanke, the
Director, Media and Strategic Communications for the group called on Nigerian Muslims to use this special occasion as an opportunity to be good role models in the society, in accordance with the prophetic example.
He also urged them to care for the orphans and widows, assist those afflicted with tragedies and help the less privileged in the society.
“The days of Eid should be special days for the entire family and more so for the younger children. Indeed, we will miss Ramadan as no other month is full of blessings as much as Ramadan, for we benefit from it during the days of fasting, during its nights of worship and even for months after,” he added.
The Muslim Congress (TMC)
The Amir (President) of The Muslim Congress (TMC), Dr Lukman AbdurRaheem implored all Muslims to sustain, maintain and retain the lessons of Ramadan.
“They should ensure they retain the principles of love, patience and abstinence from Haram. Eid-ul-Mubarak. TaqabalaLlahu Minna Wa Minkum”, he prayed.
