By Jeremiah Archibong and Jonathan Ugbal
As the Muslim Ummah in Cross River join their counterparts across the world to celebrate this year’s Eid el-Kabir, Cross River Governor, Senator Ben Ayade and the Chairman, governing board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba have identified peace, love and sacrifice as the panacea for a better Nigeria.
Ayade in a message signed by his spokesperson, Mr. Christian Ita, Ayade enjoined the Muslim Ummah to imbibe the spirit of love, obedience, sacrifice and sharing that the celebration of Eid El-Kabir signifies in line with the principle of Islam.
He charged the citizenry to be ready to make the sacrifices necessary for the progress of the country, which is currently passing through challenging times and stressed the need to keep aside all forms of religious, ethnic and tribal sentiments, in the interest of unity, progress, peace and prosperity of the country.
“The Eid el-Kabir presents an opportunity for Muslim faithfuls to reflect on the faith, which prophet Ibrahim dutifully agreed to sacrifice his son in obedience to the command of Allah.
“May I use this period of Eid el-Kabir to speak to our souls and remind us that our nation is going through challenges and all of us must play our role to overcome these challenges.
“As a government we have provided a peaceful, conducive environment for all citizens to cohabit irrespective of their religion, tribe or ethnic coloration in Cross River State.”
He called on all to shun acts capable of disrupting the unity, togetherness and peaceful coexistence of the country as the 2019 general elections approach.
Meanwhile, Mr. Ndoma-Egba in a statement signed his Special Assistant, Communications, Clara Braide charged religious leaders to always preach and promote ethno-religious tolerance as well as foster peace and unity among the people ahead of the 2019 general elections for the good of our nation.
“While rejoicing with all Muslim faithful on this auspicious occasion of Eid el-Kabir Sallah celebration, which symbolises sacrifice and obedience, I wish to enjoin all people of goodwill to be steadfast in love for one another and demonstrate renewed commitment to the Nigerian project in order to make our society ideal for all and towards the fulfillment of the country’s great potentials.
“I also urge our religious leaders to take advantage of the season and preach peace, unity and tolerance in spite of our diversity, especially now that the country is at critical political crossroads, with the electioneering process gaining momentum towards 2019 general elections,” the statement read.
Eid el-Kabir or Eid el-Adha is also known as the festival of sacrifice is one of the two major festivals celebrated by Muslims across the world.
The celebration honors the willingness of Ibrahim (known as Abraham in the Christian faith) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to Allah.