By Godwin Zaki, Lafia
As Muslims across the world celebrate this year’s Eid-el-Kabir, Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has called on the faithful to emulate the teachings symbolized by the festival characterized by selflessness, sacrifice, brotherhood and obeying Allah’s commands.
Governor Sule made the call in a Sallah message he personally signed and issued to the media on Saturday.
While congratulating the Muslim community in the state for marking the Eid-el-Kabir, the Governor enjoined the faithful to see the festival as a commemoration of the sublime submission by Prophet Ibrahim (Peace be upon Him) to the call for sacrifice.
He reminded the faithful on the need to reflect on their relationships with God and fellow human beings as a yardstick for righteous living, love and peaceful coexistence in the society.
“Accordingly, I urge us all to continue to preach peace, show love, understanding, tolerance and good neighbourliness amongst ourselves and humanity at large in line with the teachings of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH),” he stated.
He used the opportunity to call on the citizens to continue to pray for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and all other leaders in order to sustain peace, harmony, socio-cultural and economic prosperity which Nasarawa State and the nation are known for.
“I need to also call on all citizens and residents of Nasarawa State to eschew any form of unlawful behaviour, capable of ruining the relative peace we are enjoying in the State,” he added.
Governor Sule equally called on the people to pray for their brothers and sisters currently in Saudi Arabia to perform this year’s Hajj, as it is expected that the pilgrims would also pray for the well-being of the people of the state and for improvement in the economy of the country.
He also used the opportunity to condemn the recent spread in criminal activities in some parts of the state, particularly kidnapping, warning perpetrators of his administration’s resolve to rid the state of criminals.
“Let me use the opportunity of this festival to condemn the spate of kidnapping being perpetuated by hoodlums in some parts of the State. I, therefore, warn that Government will not spare the culprits of this heinous act, as the security agencies will continue to hunt them in their locations. I assure you that we will not rest on our oars to ensure a peaceful and secured Nasarawa State,” he added.
Commenting on the prevailing economic hardship in the country, the Governor further called on the people to remain steadfast and endure the trying moment.
“I assure you that Government will continue to put in its best to ameliorate the temporary hardship. As citizens, we should continue to support and encourage our leaders at all levels to enable them achieve their mandates of providing good governance to the people,” he said.
He then appealed to all road users to obey traffic regulations, just as he called on the officials of Federal Road Safety Commission and other security agencies to intensify enforcement of the laws during the festivity.