President Muhammadu Buhari, on Tuesday congratulated Nigerians, especially Muslim world, on the New Year 1443 and the commemoration of the migration (Hijra) of Prophet Muhammad from Makkah to Madinah.
A statement by a spokesman of the President, Mallam Garba Shehu stated that “On the occasion of the Islamic New Year, and the commemoration of the Hijrah, I urge Muslims and other citizens to imbibe the lessons of compassion, peace, and support for one another. I wish all Muslims a blessed year.”
President Buhari urged Muslims to reflect on the importance and historic significance of the Hijrah and the overall teachings of the Holy Prophet and follow his examples.
“As directed by the President of Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs, Tuesday which is the first day of the Islamic month of Muharram, marks Prophet Muhammad’s journey from Makkah to Medina in 622 AD.”
Some states, Oyo and Osun have declared Tuesday a public holiday to mark the first day in the islamic calender.
In Ekiti state, the Coordinator of NACOMYO, a Muslim organization, Mr Tajudeen Ahmed, in a statement to mark the day, said “we declare our support for the oneness and unity of Nigeria and we condemn all forms of agitation for its division and breakage.
“We belief that we are better as a united entity and that we stand a better chance of attaining stardom as a united nation. Besides, it is our conviction that our existence as a nation is as it pleases Allah.
On economy, “We however express our apprehension over the continual devaluation of the Naira and the economy hardship that has become the lot of Nigerians.
“This is in addition to the high unemployment rate among the youths of our dear state and the country at large. This development has led to high rate of crime in the society.
We call on government to sincerely address the nose diving nature of our economy and provide jobs to our teeming youths in the new year. In the process, Government will make Nigeria a worthwhile and befitting nation where crime and criminality will be at low ebb.
It added that “Equally worrisome is the increasing nature of insecurity in the country. The wave of insecurity has spread to Ekiti State and its fast enveloping the state.
“Movement across the state has now become difficult as one can easily fall victim of kidnapping or armed robbery attack in the process.
“Our one time peaceful state has been turned turbulent by the horrendous activities of bandits, kidnappers, armed robbers and gangsters. This is indeed worrisome and condemnable!
“We call on the State Government to wake up to the security challenge and checkmate the shenanigans of the marauders so that Ekiti can be safe again.
“This is more so as the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria makes the provision of security as the primary essence of governance in our nation.”
It commended the state Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi for appointing Muslims into political positions, and urged him to do more during the new year as the present ratio of Muslims to Christians in Government is still far below equitable status.
It urged the Governor to consider Muslims for appointment into the judiciary arm of the state as there is no Muslim judge in the State.
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