***Calls for unity, smooth transition.
By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja
Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi has called on Muslim Ummah across the country to use the Eid-el-Fitri period to pray for the Nation, President Muhammadu Buhari and the President-Elect for smooth transition coming up in May.
Bello made the call while Speaking with newsmen shortly after observing the Eid prayers to mark the end of the Ramadan Fast spiritual obligation and celebration of the Eid-el-Fitri at Muhammadu Buhari Square on Friday in Lokoja.
The Governor said that his major message to the people and Nigerians was for them to maintain peace, law and order and be united saying that it is only in unity that the yearnings and aspirations of the people could be met.
“It is when you are united that all what you look forward to can be achieved and I implore everyone of us to pray for our leaders our locals, traditional institutions, states and the nation.
“Pray for our leaders, pray for our president, President Muhammadu Buhari. We should pray for the incoming President by the special grace of God, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his vice, Senator Kashim Shettima.
“We should pray that the next transition in Kogi State should be very smooth as I promise to continue to play by the rules of the game and ensure that there is smooth transition.
“And by the special grace of God, this is going to be my last Eid prayer (Eid-el-Fitri) on this particular arena as the governor. When next you see me here, I will be a former governor particularly in Eid-el-Fitri prayer”, he mused.
Governor Bello drummed support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in the forthcoming November 11, Governorship poll, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo to enable him consolidate on the achievements so far made.
“And for all that we have achieved for our people I pray that by the special grace of God, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo that is going to succeed me by the grace of Allah, will do more.
“I urge that everyone of us should support him, pray for him, vote for him and ensure that we become victorious in the election that is coming ahead”, he implored.
Bello also urged the people to continue to be law abiding and ensure that they play the game by the rules saying that when everyone played their parts genuinely, “Success shall be ours.”
Sheikh Dahiru Hussain, Chief Imam of Izala group in his sermon at the Eid ground held at the Muhammadu Buhari Square, called on Nigerians to always pray for peace and unity of the country.
The cleric thanked Allah for seeing the Muslim Ummah through the Ramadan fasting exercise and prayed Him to answer their “Dua” and accept their “Ibadah.” (Ends)