BY UCHE CHUWU OSIBE, ONITSHA
As muslims all over the world celebrate the feast of Eid-al-Kabir, in demonstration of total submission to the command of Almighty Allah by Ibrahim who replaced the intended sacrifice of his son with a ram, the Arewa Community led by Alhaji Gidado Siddiki in Anambra State has urged Nigerians to embrace the spirit of sacrificial love and obedience to constituted authorities. Siddiki also urged the Muslims and Northern communities in the State to continue to remain law-abiding, peaceful, and supportive of every initiative that promotes unity, development, and mutual understanding in their respective communities. The Sarkin Fulani Awka who made this known in a goodwill message to Nigerians in marking the feast observed that the festival serves as a reminder of the values of faith, sacrifice, peace, tolerance, and compassion, which remain essential for the growth and stability of our society. The Deputy National Director-general of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria ( MACBAN encouraged everyone "to desist from actions or statements capable of threatening the peace and harmony we have collectively built over the years. While commending President Bola Tinubu and Governor Chukwuma Soludo if of Anambra State alongside the other governors of the Southern States, he extolled their steadfast commitment toward ensuring that every Nigerian is free to reside and carry out legitimate business activities peacefully in any part of the country without intimidation or hindrance.
He hinted that the Muslims and Northern communities residing in Anambra State and across the South-East geo-political zone, are delighted to celebrate this year’s Eid peacefully and harmoniously with our host communities. Siddiki said: "We sincerely appreciate the governments, traditional rulers, community leaders, security agencies, and the good people of the South East for their hospitality, support, and commitment to peaceful coexistence over the years.
"Furthermore, we call on politicians and public actors to refrain from using the name of Northerners residing in the South East for personal or political interests, specifying that the government in Anambra State has ever officially registered Northerners or issued identification tags to them. The Arewa community leader prayed for lasting peace, unity, security, and prosperity in Anambra State, the South East, and Nigeria as a whole.