Muslims across the country today joined their compatriots around the world to celebrate the end of the month-long Ramadan. Prayers and festivities marked the Eid-el Fitri, with many taking advantage of the two-day public holiday declared by the federal government to travel to celebrate with families and friends. Nigerian leaders used the occasion to exhort citizens to support next year’s election and exercise tolerance with one another. Spiritual purification Nigeria’s Vice President, Namadi Sambo, urged Nigerians not to lose sight of the spiritual and historical significance of the period. “At this occasion, there is need for us to imbibe the spirit of obedience, sacrifice and total submission to the will of Allah, as exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim. This way, the fear and love of Allah will increase and fill our hearts. This is a guidance to righteousness,” he said. He advised citizens to be their “brothers’ keepers” and shun all deviant behaviour, work towards promoting peace and good neighbourliness. Mr Sambo thanked all Nigerians for their continuous support and cooperation and promised that the government was resolute in its “commitment to the provision of adequate infrastructure, free, fair and credible elections and guarantee the security of lives and properties as well as maintain law and order for sustainable development.”
Call to piety
The Ogun State governor, Gbenga Daniel, called on Muslims to carry the devotion and piety displayed during the Ramadan into their daily dealings and interactions with their countrymen. He said a time like this calls for prayers, especially as our country begins the process of electing new leaders to pilot its affairs, adding that all Nigerians, irrespective of their faith, must come together as one and ensure that they contribute their own quota to ensure the success of the forthcoming polls. The Bauchi State governor, Isa Yuguda, encouraged Muslims to always follow the teachings of the prophet Muhammad, especially on how he maintained good relationship with non- Muslims and promoted peace throughout his life. He said there is need for all Muslims to copy the good deeds of the Prophet, as he always promoted peace among his followers. He also charged Muslims to adopt the good teaching of the Ramadan, which entails abstinence from some basic human needs such as food, drink and sexual intercourse during the day. Nuhu Ribadu, former chair of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, said the period has provided Muslims an ample opportunity to have a sober reflection on the state of things in our country. “This should serve as a challenge to Nigerians not only to fully be involved in the electoral process, but to do the right things at all times, particularly as the 2011 elections draw near,” he said. He called on Muslims to use the occasion of the Eid-el- Fitri to pray for free and fair elections, and also ensure that they work towards achieving it. Anambra State governor, Peter Obi said the successful conclusion of the Ramadan is an apt reminder that human society must be imbued with those values that lead to and reflect the brilliance of God. ‘Greatness will come to nations that consciously plan and work for it through consensus and confidence- building,’ he said. The Ondo State governor, Olusegun Mimiko, told Muslims yesterday not to deviate from the strict adherence to selflessness, forgiveness, generosity and peaceful co-existence with their neighbours, which were the hallmark of the holy month of Ramadan. Mr. Mimiko urged Muslims and Nigerians in general to use the occasion of the celebration to reflect on their spiritual lives and on what could be done to uplift the nation to the heights dreamed for it by its founding fathers.
Rising prices
Prices of food and livestock rose on Wednesday across the country, as people thronged markets to purchase items for the celebration. The increased patronage made the price of a medium- sized ram to go from N25,000 to N30,000, while a big ram sold for between N45,000 and N50,000, as against N38,000. A big turkey sold for N11, 000 instead of N9,000, while the prices of a medium and large sized chicken increased from N1,200 and N1,500 to N1,500 and N1,700 respectively. Haruna Usman, the Secretary of the Livestock Traders Association, Allah Margrima Market, Iganmu, Lagos, told the News Agency of Nigeria that the hike in prices was not only owing to increased demand but to the high transportation costs. He also blamed it on alleged extortion by some revenue collectors and law enforcement agents. “Transporting a trailer-load of ram from the north to Lagos costs between N100, 000 and N120, 000 because of the money we pay at checkpoints,” he said. He appealed to states, and the federal government, to address the extortions, to reduce the* prices of goods and services.
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