***Charge Muslims to internalize Ramadan lessons
From John Adams Minna
As Muslims all over the world celebrate this year’s Eid-Firti to mark the end of the Ramadan, former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, Niger Governor Umar Mohammed Bago and former Governor Muazu Babangida Aliyu have called on Nigerians, especially Muslims faithful to imbibe the lessons of Ramadan to ensure peaceful coexistence among one another.
In separate interviews with newsmen shortly after observing the prayers at the Minna praying ground, the leaders believed that peaceful coexistence was needed by all Nigerians to be able to overcome the present economic challenges facing the country.
General Abdulsalami in his message, pointed out that the Ramadan has taught Muslims all over the world a lesson to be each others keepers by maintaining peaceful coexistence.
He pointed out that the peaceful atmosphere enjoyed during the Ramadan should be sustained for the good of the country, adding that nothing can be achieved in an atmosphere of crisis and public disturbance.
Also speaking, the former governor of the state, Dr. Muazu Babangida Aliyu said that some Muslims are just Muslims by name because they have failed to internalized the very good teaching of Islam which symbolizes peace.
He said that Muslims must allowe the teaching of Islam which is a way of life become part of them, stressing that “we must internalize the actual teaching of Islam so that it will become part of them but this he said is lacking in most Muslims today. “Many are just Muslims by name and not in practice”, he said
Also speaking shortly after observing the prayer, at the Kontagora praying ground where he spent the Sallah, the state Governor Umar Mohammed Bago called on all Muslim faithful to continue to imbibe the lessons learnt in the Month of Ramadan.
He emphasized the need for Muslims to remain selflessness, show kindness and maintain good neighbourliness as they continue to pray to God for peace in the land
While appreciating the Kontagora Emirate for the warm reception accorded him, he urged them to be security cautious during the Sallah celebrations by reporting any suspicious movement to relevant authorities.
Senator representing Niger North Senatorial District and former Niger State Governor, Senator Abubakar Sani Bello in his message expressed gratitude to Allah for witnessing another Eid-El-Fitr and pray to Allah to continue to protect the Country and bring an end to all forms of insecurity.
Sarkin Sudan of Kontagora, Muhammad Barau Mu’azu II who commended the Governor for coming to celebrate Eid with the people of Kontagora Emirate, prayed to Allah for the success of his administration.
Notable among other Muslim adherents that graced the Eid-El-Fitr prayer included Speaker, Niger State House of Assembly AbdulMalik Sarkin Daji, Member representing Kontagora/Mariga/Mashegu and Wushiahi Federal Constituency Abdullahi Idris Garba, Chief of Staff to the Governor Abdullahi Usman Gbatamangi, other members of the State Executive Council and traditional leaders from Kontagora Emirate
