By Mohammed Baba Busu
Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, Etsu Nupe and Chairman, Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers called on the Muslim Ummah to fervently pray for the successful handover of power to the incoming civilian administration
Etsu Nupe made the call while addressing his subjects shortly after the two Raka’at prayers at the Bida Eid praying ground during congregational prayers on Friday.
He noted that fervent and ceaseless prayers would ensure a peaceful and smooth transition of power to the incoming administration.
Alhaji Abubakar also appealed to the Muslim faithful to use the period to as well pray for leaders at all levels in the country for the growth and development of the country.
According to Alhaji Abubakar, there is a need for Muslims to pray fervently for the incoming administration for God Almighty to guide and guard them to deliver to the people much-needed dividends of democracy.
The Royal Father also stressed the need for the Muslims to sustain the good lessons learned during the holy month of Ramadan for sustainable peace and unity in the country.
He listed the virtues to include piety, patience, worship of the Almighty Allah, philanthropy, and love for one another.
The monarch also called on Nigerians to live in peace with one another to foster peace and national unity.
The royal father stressed the need for Nigerians to ensure peaceful co-existence in the country, and to ensure economic growth and development.
According to him, no society or country can achieve any meaningful development or greatness in an atmosphere of chaos and mistrust.
Alhaji Abubakar used the occasion to call on well-to-do Muslims in society to continue to support the less privileged to alleviate their suffering.
“I want to use this occasion to call on wealthy individuals to continue to support the poor to alleviate their sufferings in the society,’’ he said.
The traditional ruler also urged Muslims to fear God in all their activities, adding that we all have to give an account of our deeds one day to our creator.
He urged Muslims to intensify prayers during the period for the return of permanent peace in Nigeria.
According to him, prayers remain the most effective weapon against any form of challenge.
He said security challenges such as insurgency, banditry, and kidnapping would be overcome through ceaseless and fervent prayers by both Muslim and Christian faithful.
The Royal father urged Muslims to always follow the path of dialogue in resolving differences, rather than advocating for violence.
Alhaji Abubakar, who congratulated the Muslim faithful on the successful completion of the Ramadan fast, added that only tolerance and patriotism would help the country sail through the present situation in the country.
The Chief Imam of Bida, Sheikh Adamu Liman-Yakatun, in his sermon, advised the Muslim faithful to imbibe the lessons of Ramadan.
He called on those who prayed and fasted for the 29 days to internalize and practicalize the social and moral objectives of the holy month of Ramadan.
