Eid-el-Kabir messages... - Speaker felicitates with Muslims - Olubadan congratulates Muslims - Make democracy a way of life - Mark

Dapo Falade, Ado-ekiti and Taiwo Adisa, Abuja - 19.12.2007

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Honourable Dimeji Bankole, has felicitated with Muslims nationwide, saying that the Eid-el-Kabir festival was an important occasion to reflect on Allah’s infinite love to humanity.

Besides, he enjoined all Muslims to show love and compassion to one another, stating that such was “the only way to demonstrate appreciation to God’s continued divine intervention in our lives.”

The Speaker reminded Muslims that the underlying factor in the Eid-el-Kabir celebration was the spirit of sacrifice.

The Speaker, who gave the charge in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Mr. Kayode Akinmade, said “we as Muslims should constantly reflect on the infinite love which Almighty Allah has for us, and in return, reciprocate by showing love and compassion to others”, adding that it was in doing such that the people would continue to receive more favours from heaven.

He stressed the need for Nigerians, irrespective of religion, race or creed to love one another as a way of demonstrating their appreciation to God.

THE Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Samuel Odulana, has congratulated Muslims in Ibadanland, Oyo State and Nigeria in general on the Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

Oba Odulana prayed for God’s mercy and protection for all during the festival and after.

He enjoined Muslims to imbibe the lessons of the festival, which he said were sacrifice and love, charging them to allow the lessons reflect in their day-to-day activities.

Oba Odulana enjoined them to embrace peace and remain united in their worship.

SENATE PRESIDENT, Senator David Mark, has asked Nigerians to remain steadfast in the defence of democracy, saying that the citizens must be ready to make democracy a way of life.

Senator Mark, who stated this in a special sallah message in Abuja on Tuesday, said democracy was the best form of government known to all civilised people of the world.

He asked Nigerians to pray for the sustenance of democracy as, according to him, it was the best way to guarantee good governance.

He noted that the period called for sober reflection on the state of the nation beyond merry making.

Senator Mark also canvassed for religious harmony between and among various sects, stating that since all religions profess peace, love and good neighbourliness, all citizens must radiate such virtues.

He said that the Senate on its part would assure Nigerians of working to meet their aspirations.

“The resolve of the National Assembly is to ensure that the lives of our people improve for the better. If at the end of our four-year tenure, the life of the ordinary man does not change positively, then we all would have failed,” he said.

“But because we abhor failure, we are more than ever before committed to making things work. We must not fail, that is our covenant with Nigeria. ”

Ekiti State deputy governor, Dr. Sikiru Lawal, has urged Muslims across the country to put their faith in Allah and abide by the tenets of Islam at all times.

Dr. Lawal, who gave the admonition in his goodwill message to Muslims on the occasion of the celebration of Eid-el-Kabir, said obedience to the commandments of Allah was paramount to the success of any human endeavour.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by his Special Assistant on Public Communications, Mr. Joseph Ogunyemi, the deputy governor maintained that God has plans for all human beings, stressing that the lessons of Eid-el-Kabir were enough to guide all persons in their conduct.

“We all know why we are celebrating the Eid-el-Kabir. Allah told Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his only son, Ismail,(and)without hesitation, he set out to carry out the will of Allah.

“For obeying the commandment, Allah told him to kill a ram instead of the son. If Prophet Ibrahim had disobeyed God, what do you think would have happened? Definitely, there would not have been anything to celebrate today,” he said.