Arewa Community Leader Calls for Sacrificial Leadership
As Muslims around the world celebrate Eid-al-Kabir, the leader of the Arewa Community in Anambra State, Alhaji Gidado Siddiki, has called on President Bola Tinubu and Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State to promote the spirit of sacrifice among leaders and followers alike.
Siddiki, who is also the Sarkin Fulani of Awka, made the call during a goodwill message at Amansea, Awka Capital Territory, yesterday, commemorating the obedience and devotion of Prophet Ibrahim, who demonstrated total submission to the command of Almighty Allah before Allah replaced the intended sacrifice with a ram.
Appreciation for Southern Leaders
He commended President Tinubu and Governor Soludo, along with other governors of the Southern states, for their steadfast commitment to 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.
The Arewa Community leader, who also serves as the Deputy National Director-General of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), 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 society.
Peaceful Coexistence in the South-East
According to him, 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 their 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."
Call for Law-Abiding Conduct
The Sarkin Fulani of Awka also urged 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.
He encouraged everyone "to desist from actions or statements capable of threatening the peace and harmony we have collectively built over the years."
Political Neutrality Urged
Furthermore, he called 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 never 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.
