Emir calls for prayers against drought in Kebbi

Mathew Abraham, Birnin-Kebbi - 12.05.2008

THE Emir of Gwandu and Chairman, Kebbi State Council of Traditional Rulers, Dr. Muhammad Ilyas Bashar, has called for prayers for rainfall this farming season across the country.

He condoled with parents who lost their children and wards following the outbreak of cerebrospinal meningitis and measles in the northern part of the country.

He also enjoined all to continue to live in peace with one another, charging leaders at all levels to be upright in their duties.

Bashar was speaking at the Abdullahi Fodio Palace before a crowd that welcomed him back from Saudi Arabia, where he had gone to perform the lesser hajj (Umrah) with his family.

Commenting further on the spread of diseases and the high cost of foodstuff in the country, the emir linked the trend to “our hypocritical attitude to the worship of Allah who is supposed to be worshipped with all sincerity.”

He said “we must make use of the good health given us by Allah to purify ourselves and worship Him for both earthly and eternal benefits.

He implored both Muslims and Christians to re-dedicate themselves to the service of God “as this is the best way of life.”

The traditional ruler was received by his council members, led by Alhaji Abdullahi Umar Wazirin Gwandu, district heads and title holders of Gwandu Emirate.

Others who received the emir included the Assistant Commissioner of Police Alhaji Muhammad A. Umar and the Secretary to the Council, Alhaji Muhammad Bandiya.

Alhaji Bashar left Birnin-Kebbi for Saudi Arabia earlier last month in company of his wife, Hajiya Hadija; Haruna Rasheed; Alhaji Haliru Iliyasu Bashar; his Personal Assistant, Mr. Rasheed Muhammad Iliyasu Bashar and Alhaji Arzika Sallaman Gwandu.