EID-EL-KABIR: CELEBRATED IN LOW KEY AS MUSLIM, CHRISTIAN CLERICS AND LAW-MAKER SUE FOR UNITY AND PEACE

Nigerians are advised to live in peace and remain united to sustain the socio-economic development of the country.

The Assistant Chief Imam at the Central Mosque, 82 Division Nigerian Army, Enugu, Sergent Abdul-Kari Muhammad gave the advice at an even to commemorate Eid-el-Kabir.

Sergent Muhammad stressed the need for everybody to be his brother’s keeper and tolerate each other, no matter the level of provocation.

Also speaking in an interview, another Moslem faithful, who didn’t want his name mentioned explained that Eid-el-Kabir was a time of reunification and slaughtering of ram, which was in line with the Islamic injunction.

Some children at the Mosque also expressed joy and happiness to Allah for the day.

The ceremony attracted Moslems in Enugu Metropolis.

Meanwhile, in an Eid-el-Karbir message, the Archbishop, Enugu Ecclesiastical Province Anglican Communion, the Most Reverend Emmanuel  Chukwuma has called on the Muslims to cooperate with Christian brethren to fight terrorism in the county.

According to the Most Reverend Chukwuma, since Abraham was not allowed to kill his son (Isaac) as God rather provided a ram for him, people should have respect for human life and protect it.

The Archbishop also called on all and sundry to intensify their prayers for peace and progress   of the country.

In the meantime, the Deputy Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Chief Toby Okechukw, has called for peaceful coexistence among Nigerians irrespective of their ethnic, religious and political background.

Chief Okechukwu made the call in his Eid-el-Kabir message to the Muslim faithful.

He stated that peace remained the foundation of any meaningful progress in any society and urged Nigerians to always be their brother’s keeper.

Chief Okechukwu, who is representing Aninri-Awgu-Oji River Federal Constituency, called on the Muslim faithful and other Nigerians to embrace sacrifice and forgiveness in the spirit of Eid-el-Kabir in order to move the country forward.

According to the Deputy Minority Leader, citizens must pray always for the country, especially at this trying time, so that God would guide the leaders aright and lift Nigeria from its numerous challenges.

Meanwhile a visit by Radio Nigeria round Enugu metropolis showed that the celebration was low keyed.

This is evident in different recreation centres visited by our correspondent.

Also a few private vehicles and commercial buses were seen on major roads in the metropolis.

But Nike Lake Road, Trans Ekulu Enugu witnessed a heavy traffic while many commercial tricycles in the axis were busy with their business transactions.

In an interview, two Muslims, Mohammed Ibrahim and Sanni Yerima, expressed happiness that they were alive to participate in the 2019 celebration.

Another Muslim, Alhaji Mohammed Ibrahim, who bemoaned the country’s economic situation, called for prayers for the country, noting that prayer remained the only channel that would transform the country in a better way.

EMMA NWEKE, OBINNA OGUKA, SCHOLASTICA UGWUOKE, OBIORA EZE