Muslims, calls for unity

By Christiana Ekpa

The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila has rejoiced with Muslims across the country on the occasion of this year’s Eidel-Fitr, marking the end of this year’s Ramadan.

Gbajabiamila also congratulated the Muslim faithful for the successful completion of the 1444/2023 Ramadan, in which he said lessons must have been learnt.

Reflecting on the significance of the just concluded Ramadan fasting, the Speaker said Muslims should internalize the lessons and good habits that usually come with the religious practice.

He called on Muslims across the country to use the occasion of Eid-el-Fitr to pray for the country.

Gbajabiamila noted that periods like this call for sober reflection and unity from all citizens irrespective of their religious beliefs.

The speaker said, “Nigeria is the only country we can call ours, hence the citizens, especially Muslims at this time, must work together and pray assiduously for continuous peaceful coexistence among the people.”

He noted that one of the lessons learnt during the holy month of Ramadan was that of compassion and care for the needy, urging Muslims to continue to be their brother’s keepers as enjoined by the Almighty Allah through the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

The prayer, tagged: “When the Righteous Are In Authority” is being organized by a non-governmental organization, Nigeria Prays.

The rally by Nigeria Prays, a pet project of former Head of State, Gen Dr. Yakubu Gowon, will be at the Master’s Vessel Church, Umuahia, on Sunday, April 23, 2023, according to a release by the Abia State Coordinator of Nigeria Prays, Apostle Chuks Alozie.

Drawing his reference to the rally from the biblical passage of Proverbs 29 vs 2, Alozie revealed that the former Head of State and the Governor-elect of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti are special guests expected to deliver talks at the prayer rally, even as Alozie disclosed that the Vice Chancellor of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike, (MOUAU), Prof Madu Ofo Iwe will be the guest speaker at the event. However, Okoro, who condemned the invitation of Gowon, described it as “insensitive to the feelings of the people,” adding that the action of the organisers would hurt deep the feelings of the people. He wondered if “there is no man of God in the entire Abia State and Igbo land, which should necessitate the invitation of Gowon, a man who is yet to rights the wrongs of the civil war.”

Okoro urged Otti’s handlers not to start with what he called “fundamental errors.”