Eid-el-Fitr: Buhari pledges adequate funding for security agencies

 

 

UFOMBA UZUEGBU and IBRAHIM QUADRI

 

 

As the Holy month of Ramadan reaches its end and Muslims mark the Eid, President Muhammadu Buhari sends his best wishes to Muslims in Nigeria and across the world celebrating the occasion:

 

“After a period of fasting and reflection, this year, we have cause to welcome the occasion in hope. The battle waged against terrorists who falsely masquerade under the name of Islam is approaching its conclusion,’’ said the President.

 

“The fight has been long and hard. Final victory is within sight. Boko Haram and its offshoots’ final embers are now fading.

 

“Last month, the leader of ISWAP was killed in an airstrike. Since the New Year, thousands of fighters have surrendered to enter rehabilitation programmes. The territories they used to occupy are now seeing the return of those who were forced to flee their barbarity. Normality is finally beginning to return to the Northeast. It is a long process. Yet it is one we are, together, now embarking upon.

 

 

 

“With the designation of bandit groups as terrorists, the challenges of banditry and kidnapping are being tackled differently in the North-western and North Central states where the latest military acquisitions and the Armed Forces are being fanned out across the region to thwart acts of terror.

 

 

 

“The administration is equally getting impressive reports of the special operations to curb crude oil theft and illegal oil bunkering in the South-South, with millions of illegally refined products being impounded and illegal refineries destroyed.

 

 

 

“While we are making progress cleaning the environment, some evil people are busy causing more pollution and destruction.

 

 

 

‘‘In response to the disturbing rise in criminal attacks targeting law enforcement and public facilities in the South East, concerted military operations to rid the region of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Eastern Security Network (ESN) elements have, in recent weeks, led to the overrunning of IPOB/ESN bases, the seizure of weapons and the arrest of a large number of suspects.’’

 

 

 

The President approved the establishment of a Naval Base in Oguta, Imo State.

 

 

 

“The reinvigoration of the war against drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking is also showing positive results as shown by the arrest of over 12, 300 offenders including seven drug barons; the conviction of 1,400, counseling and rehabilitation of about 8,000 drug users.

 

 

 

“The seizure of over 3.4 million kilograms of drugs and cash worth over N130 billion, all in 2021 has been recorded while the first Quarter of this year has seen the arrest of no fewer than 3,536 offenders including security personnel and a well-known billionaire drug baron. The seizure of more than 65,000 tons of assorted drugs in this period sets a record for the nation.’’

 

 

 

It is with a view to giving impetus to the concerned agency that President Buhari granted approvals for the promotion of more than 3,500 officers, the procurement of operational equipment, training for personnel and buildings for residential barracks.

 

 

 

The President also directed increased coordination and cooperation among security agencies, saying that an end has been brought to a silo approach among the agencies, assuring that there will be no shortage of funds to provide security for the citizens.

Also, Former Vice President of Nigeria and presidential aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party in the 2023 election, Atiku Abubakar has called on Nigerians to strengthen the bond of love despite our religious differences, saying love is the prerequisite for binding unity in any diverse society like ours.

 

In his Eid el Fitr Sallah message to mark the end of the month-long Ramadan fasting season by Muslims, the former Vice President appealed to Nigerians to develop the spirit of tolerance and respect towards one another, despite our ethnic and religious differences.

 

“We should use religion as an instrument for creating unity, love and harmony rather than using it to feed hate and intolerance, which usually results in needless conflicts. Let’s not allow selfish politicians and people of bad faith to divide us and use us as fighting tools for their own sinister agendas,” Atiku stressed.

 

Speaking on the Ramadan fast, the Wazirin Adamawa noted that “we shouldn’t abandon the useful lessons of the Ramadan and we should internalise its lessons instead.”

 

According to him, the Ramadan fast makes us appreciate what it means to go without food and drinks for the whole day, thereby understanding the impact of hunger on millions of poor people.

 

He explained that the self-discipline created by the Ramadan fast encourages us to show compassion towards our fellow human beings who cannot feed because of poverty.

 

While wishing Muslims a happy Sallah celebration, the former Vice President called for greater efforts towards interfaith dialogue in order to bridge the communication gap between members of the two religions.

 

“Let’s not associate with people who undermine the efforts towards interfaith dialogue because doing so may create the conditions for extremists to thrive. The agenda of the extremists is to promote hate and bigotry in order to cause confusion. Let’s not give them the opportunity to succeed,” Atiku added.

 

Meanwhile Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his counter part  in Ogun state Dapo Abuiodun  has congratulated Nigerians, especially Muslim faithful in the country, as they celebrate Eid-el-Fitri, which marks the end of the 30 days of Ramadan fasting and prayers.

 

Sanwo-Olu enjoined Muslims in Lagos State to continue on the path of spirituality, peaceful co-existence and to remain tolerant of other religious denominations in the State, saying that Lagos was noted for religious harmony.

 

Governor Sanwo-Olu in his Eid-el-Fitri message issued and signed on Sunday by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, prayed for Lagosians and Nigerians as a whole to witness and celebrate more Eid-el-Fitri in good health and prosperity.

 

The Governor said observing Ramadan is very significant to Muslims across the world as one of the five pillars of Islam, which teaches abstinence from worldly pleasures, steadfastness in prayers and total submission to the will of Allah in accordance with the Quranic injunctions.

 

Governor Sanwo-Olu, while stressing the need for a peaceful society, urged Muslims as well as other religious denominations in the country to continue to offer prayers for continued peace and stability in Nigeria, adding that all hands must be on deck to address the growing challenge of insecurity and other burning issues in the nation.

 

He said: “As we celebrate Eid-el-Fitri worldwide, I want to join millions of people around the world, to wish our Muslim brothers and sisters in Lagos State and in Nigeria, Eid Mubarak. We thank God for sparing our lives to witness and celebrate the Year 2022 Eid-el-Fitri.

 

“For the Muslims, Eid celebration is very unique. It is a feast to mark the end of a month-long spiritual renewal after 30 days of fasting, prayers and other spiritual activities.

 

“I want to urge my dear Muslim brothers and sisters to continue to emulate the good virtues inherent in Ramadan, such as helping the poor and the vulnerable in the society, offering gratitude to Allah, showing compassion and generosity to one another, among other good deeds that guide your faith.” Sanwo-Olu stated.

 

Governor Abiodun,noted that fasting in the month of Ramadan is one of the pillars of Islamic faith, felicitated Muslims in the state for seeing the end of 29 days of spiritual exercise.

 

The governor in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Kunle Somorin, however, enjoined the Muslim faithful to continue to hold on to the piety and spiritual elevation attained during the fasting.

 

He noted that though the country is passing through some challenges, Muslims deserve to celebrate the end of the month of mercy and forgiveness.

 

Abiodun, however, urged the people to celebrate with moderation and ensure they share with the less privileged.

 

He further urged them to pray for peace in the country and the state, assuring that his administration will continue to create conducive atmosphere to enhance economic development and growth.

 

Reiterating his position during the Ramadan Lecture held on Friday, with the them “Get Rich Quick Syndrome: Refocusing the Nigerian Youths for a greater future,” Gov. Abiodun said it is most unfortunate that youths of today prefer to cut corners to get things done quickly.

 

Similarly, the Lagos State House of Assembly Muslim Community has congratulated Muslim faithful for the successful completion of a month’s fast, calling on the Federal Government to urgently tackle the spate of insecurity in the country.

 

This was contained in a statement signed by the Publicity Secretary of the Community, Alhaji Ahmed Oyasipe, noting that as Muslims celebrate Eid-el-Fitr, the lessons learnt in Ramadan should be the guiding principles at all time.

 

 

The statement read, “In the name of Allah, the most Gracious, the most Merciful. Peace and blessings of Allah be upon the Messenger of Allah, Muhammad (S.A.W.) whose guidance has been sustaining the world.

 

“We give honour and glory to Allah for His protection over every Muslim by having the privilege to have completed Ramadan 1443 A H. (2022). It was indeed a spiritual journey that transformed the entire universe.

 

“We therefore urge our dear Muslim brothers and sisters to uphold lessons already imbibed during fasting. It will be a vain exercise if any one goes back to vices after the fast. We are now newborns as taught by holy Prophet Muhammad. Let us keep to this righteousness.

 

“We call on Muslims to be of good ambassadors to Islam. Be cautious of your characters at all times. Enjoin peace, love and tranquility. Be a social change for good to emancipate Nigeria from her present predicaments.

 

 

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman Abdulrazaq has congratulated Muslims on the completion of Ramadan fast which ultimately heralds the Eid-el-fitri.

 

In a statement on Sunday ahead of the conclusion of 30 days of Ramadan fast 1443 A.H., the Governor described the days and nights of the month as ones like no other during which the (Muslim) faithful proudly competed to outdo one another in good deeds.

 

“I congratulate our Muslim brethren, and especially the leader of the faithful in Kwara State, the Emir of Ilorin Dr. Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari. It is my prayer to Almighty Allah to accept it as a worthy act of worship, accept all our supplications in and after Ramadan, set our country on the path of improved security and greatness, grant us the grace to observe many more of Ramadan in good health and best of faith, and reward us with Al-Jannah Firdaus,” the Governor said.

 

“I also commend everyone, including the political class, to carry on the message and spirit of Ramadan even after its completion. Ultimately, power belongs to God and He gives whomsoever He so wishes.”

 

Also, the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC)  has felicitated with all Muslims faithful for the sacrifice of fasting for a whole month to pray for themselves, loved ones and the progress of the country.

 

The President of Congress, Comrade Quadri Olaleye, in a statement, called on everyone, especially people in authority to show concern about the state of the country and work to restore her lost glory.

He said that we deceive ourselves if we pretend as if we do not have challenges as a country,  adding that only Nigerians can solve the challenges and not foreigners.

 

The labour leader lamented that he is disturbed by the  increasing  loss  of the lives  of  innocent Nigerians through kidnapping, terrorism and  armed bandits , among others

 

He said that he never believed that people could kidnap or kill for money.  “In the past, travelling was fun but now a huge risk; it is even worst if you go by road.  It hurts that in the Nigeria of today people sell houses,  cars and other belongs to pay ransom.

 

“This is strange and all hands must be on deck to address the menace.”he added.

Comrade Olaleye  noted  with  concern  the  collapse of the industrial sector and the gradual relocation of companies to neighbouring countries.

 

He attributed the ugly development to the reason unemployment and crime are on the increase. Even those working can barely feed.

 

However,  As Nigerian Muslims celebrate Eid-el Fitr festival, the Jos Zonal Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has advised operators of fleet vehicles to abide by traffic rules and regulations.

 

Mr Wobin Gora, Commanding Officer of the zone that comprises Plateau, Benue and Nasarawa States, gave the advice on Sunday in Jos.

 

A statement by the zone’s Acting Public Enlightenment Officer, Mr Christopher Enang, quoted Wobin as advising road users to respect and protect other users during the festive period and avoid speeding.

 

It stated that 3,438 Road Marshals, comprising 1,971 Regular and 1,467 Special Marshals, would be on special patrol operations in the zone, with several mobile courts to handle offenders.

 

Wobin was further quoted as urging FRSC personnel to work toward reducing road traffic crashes and fatalities during the festivity while urging the mobile courts to apply the rules strictly.

 

He directed the Commands in the zone to promptly remove broken down vehicles and other forms of obstructions on the highways to enable free flow of traffic.

 

The statement added that FRSC would embark on massive education of motorists and other road users during the Special Patrol period that would last till May 4.

 

It particularly warned against speeding, wrongful overtaking, lane violation, road obstruction, use of phone while driving and overloading.

 

Other vices included non-usage of seatbelt, lack of passenger manifest, mechanically deficient vehicles, illegal use of some number plates, driving with worn out tyres or spare tyres, and failure to install speed limit device.

 

“Arrested violators will be arraigned before the magistrates and stand the risks of fines ranging between N2,000 and N200,000, depending on the nature of the offences.

 

“Other penalties include jail terms ranging between two and six months as may be decided by the Mobile Courts.”