As part of efforts to ensure a hitch-free Sallah celebration across the country, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP MD Abubakar has ordered water-tight security across the country. Consequently, the IGP has directed all Zonal Assistant Inspectors-General of Police and Command Commissioners of Police to ensure increased security surveillance, patrols and tactical Police presence on major highways, places of worship, recreation parks and other sensitive, strategic and vulnerable places within their Areas of Responsibility.
Command CPs are further directed to adequately deploy their personnel to guarantee free-flow of traffic and safe passage for all travelers and other road users. Highway Patrol Teams, working in conjunction with other Law Enforcement Agencies, are equally directed to take adequate measures in preventing road accidents and rendering assistance to travelers particularly those in distress.
Force Headquarters’ Spokesman,Frank Mba said Muslim faithful across the country are therefore enjoined to celebrate this year’s Eid-el-Fitri with the reassurance that the Police are working to guarantee an all-round security during the period of festivities and even thereafter. The IGP assures the public especially, worshippers, travelers and all well-meaning citizens that the Nigeria Police will continue to discharge its constitutional responsibility of providing adequate security for all. He however, advised Nigerians to, at all times be security conscious and report promptly, every suspicious move by individuals or groups to the Police or other relevant security agencies.
He said the IG equally used the opportunity provided by the Sallah celebration to convey his goodwill and that of the entire officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force to all Muslims in Nigeria. He congratulated all those who participated in the Season’s fasting and prayed for the peace, security and good governance of our country.
While reminding every Muslim faithful of the significance of the season, the IGP enjoined them to emulate and imbibe the worthy virtues, principles and teachings of the Holy Prophet Muhammed. He called on all Nigerians, irrespective of their religious leaning and inclination, to be tolerant and open-minded to issues of forgiveness, national peace and co-existence. He called on religious leaders to encourage their followers to respect the Nation’s diversities and see it as the strength of the country’s unity and a medium for development.
“The IGP uses the occasion of this holy season to enjoin all Nigerians to cooperate and collaborate with the Police and other sister agencies in the fight against crimes and criminality. He expresses the willingness of the Nigeria Police Force to continue to do all within its capacity, to secure and protect the good people of Nigeria”,the statement said.
..Northern Govs Urge Sustenance of Ramadan Ideals
As Nigeria joins the world to celebrate Id-el Fitr, the Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) has enjoined Muslims to sustain the ideals of the month of Ramadan beyond the Ramadan period.
Chairman of the forum and Governor of Niger State, Dr Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu who made the call in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Danladi Ndayebo, urged Muslims to remain steadfast in the worship of Allah and to follow the teachings of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW) as they did during the month of Ramadan.
Governor Aliyu tasked Muslims to continue to uphold the ideals of piety, patience, tolerance, perseverance, humility and self denial which were observed vigorously during the month of Ramadan.
The statement said Id-El Fitr celebration should be seen by all as another opportunity to remain devoted and submissive to the will of the Almighty Allah.
It said the end of Ramadan should not mean an end to the virtues of benevolence, good neighborliness and tolerance which in the last one month characterized Muslims’ private and public life.
The forum called on Nigerians to use the period to pray to Allah to provide solution to the security challenges facing the nation.
The Governors wishe Nigerians fruitful Id-el fitr celebrations.
…Oshiomhole congratulates Muslims
Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State has congratulated the Muslim Ummah on the successful completion of the Ramadan fast, praying God to accept the supplications made by the faithful during the Ramadan and bestow unparalleled blessings on the people.
In his Eid-el-Fitri message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Peter Okhiria, Comrade Oshiomhole said “I rejoice with the Muslim Ummah as it has pleased Almighty Allah to see us through the Holy month of Ramadan.
“The Ramadan fast has afforded us the opportunity to reconnect with our creator and extend the hands of fellowship to our fellow men.
“However, as we celebrate, we should not forget the lessons learnt, to wit, the spirit of piety, alms-giving, of compassion and love for fellow men.
“We remember, as always, our country this season and I enjoin the Ummah to continue to make supplications to Allah to heal the ills of the nation and favour us with peace and progress.
“In Edo, we have every cause to be thankful to Almighty Allah as He has continued to bestow abundant mercies on us through mutual respect and coexistence between people of different faith.
“I wish the Muslim Ummah happy Eid el-Fitri”