Key Muslim leaders in Southeast Nigeria have called for harmonious living and peaceful coexistence among all communities in the region. Haruna Garuba, Sarkin Hausa of Awka, and Gidado Sidikki, Deputy National Director-General of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), made this appeal during the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations at the Central Mosque in Awka.
Following the Eid prayers, Garuba urged the Muslim community to use this period of reflection to pray for peace and harmony in Nigeria. He emphasized the importance of unity and prayer for the welfare of Anambra State and its Governor, Chukwuma Soludo.
Garuba encouraged Muslims in the state to reach out to their Christian neighbors and local leaders as a gesture of goodwill and solidarity. “We need to visit our Christian brothers and the leadership of our host communities because we are living peacefully with them,” he stated.
Sidikki, a prominent leader of MACBAN in the South East, echoed similar sentiments, urging his Fulani community to maintain peaceful relations with their host communities. He highlighted the significance of Eid al-Adha, noting that the festival commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s obedience to Allah, which is symbolized by the sacrificial act of slaughtering a ram.
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“We observe Eid al-Kabir as an act of submission to Almighty Allah, acknowledging that everything we receive and experience is ordained by Him,” Sidikki said. He also addressed the broader issues of insecurity and insurgency, which affect all regions of Nigeria, calling for prayers and unity.
Sidikki encouraged residents of the South East to avoid actions that could disrupt the peaceful coexistence and to instead work towards fostering unity and harmony. He appealed to government officials and traditional leaders to treat all communities equitably, recognizing them as integral parts of society deserving of fair treatment.
Furthermore, Sidikki called on religious leaders to act as custodians of peace, avoiding inflammatory statements that could incite discord. His message was clear: peace and mutual respect are essential for the continued well-being and development of the region.
