Friday, July 17, 2015

’m Not Too Slow, PMB Replies Critics


President Muhammadu Buhari has urged
Nigerians to imbibe this year’s
Ramadan’s key lessons of self-denial and
sacrifice if the country must overcome its
present challenges of insecurity,
corruption and under-development
inflicted on it by poor governance.
In his Eid-el-Fitr message to the nation,
the president also responded to those
accusing him of being slow in governance,
saying although he shares their feelings
that there is much work to do, things
must be done carefully in order not to
lose the opportunity provided to fix the
country.
Buhari noted that being aware of the high
expectations of Nigerians when he
assumed office as president, he had been
working “with utmost dedication to
meticulously plan and tackle the many
national challenges” that his party had
identified and promised to resolve.
He said, “Although we have come to the
end of this year’s month of Ramadan, I
believe that a greater acceptance by
Nigerians of its key lessons of self-denial
and sacrifice will serve our dear country
well as we strive to overcome our present
challenges, undo the damage done by
years of bad governance and accelerate
the pace of national development.
“Reviewing our dire circumstances and
the many missed opportunities of the
past, some commentators and observers
have said that this is Nigeria’s last
chance to get its act together and finally
begin to fulfill its God-given potential for
greatness.
“While not going that far, I certainly
believe that now, more than ever before,
our country needs greater self-denial,
sacrifice and patriotism from all of its
citizens if we are to quickly recover from
our numerous problems and start moving
in a positive direction”.
The president said he fully understood
and shared the thirst of his long-suffering
compatriots for corruption-free
government institutions that work
efficiently to deliver visible development
for the benefit of all citizens.
On the allegation that he was too slow,
he said, “I also share the feelings of those
who think that we should be moving
faster. But I urge them and all Nigerians
to trust that my commitment to real and
positive change in our nation is as firm as
ever.
“There is indeed much work to be done,
but we must do it well and carefully to
ensure that the great opportunity which
we now have is not lost to the “business
as usual” group who selfishly or
shortsightedly prefer a status quo that
panders to their personal or group
interests.”
Admitting that the adverse effects of
years of rot, corruption, inept and bad
governance on the country were immense,
Buhari noted, however, that they are
“certainly not insurmountable.”
According to him, they can be rectified if
all Nigerians “resolve now to place the
well-being of our nation above all other
considerations and work wholeheartedly
with the present administration to achieve
greater peace and security across the
nation, and reposition our country for
faster economic development and
progress.
“This current period of our life as a nation
offers us a great opportunity to break
from the vicious triangle of insecurity,
corruption and underdevelopment. We
must collectively resolve to seize this
opportunity and unite to confront our
problems”, he added.
He, however, appealed that for him to
succeed, he would need the continued
support, understanding and patience of
Nigerians.
Wishing Nigerians a happy Sallah
celebration, Buhari said, “I greet and
felicitate with you all, especially our
citizens of the Islamic faith on this
auspicious occasion of the 2015 Eid-el-
Fitr celebrations.”
PMB Fires NIMASA DG, Akpobolokemi
President Muhammadu Buhari has
relieved the director-general of the
Nigerian Maritime Administration and
Safety Agency (NIMASA), Mr. Patrick
Akpobolokemi of his appointment.
A terse statement by his special adviser
on media and publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina
to this effect noted that Akpobolokemi’s
sack was with immediate effect.
Adesina who did not state any reason for
his sack added that Akpobolokemi has
been directed to hand over all government
belongings at his disposal to the most
senior officer in the agency pending when
a new DG would be appointed.
The statement made available to
LEADERSHIP reads: “President
Muhammadu Buhari has terminated the
appointment of Mr. Patrick Ziakede
Akpobolokemi as director-general of the
Nigerian Maritime Administration and
Safety Agency (NIMASA).
The termination of Mr. Akpobolokemi’s
appointment takes immediate effect. He is
to hand over the management of NIMASA
and all government property in his
possession to the most senior officer in
the agency who will remain in charge
until a new director-general is appointed”.
PMB Dissolves Governing Boards Of FG
Parastatals, Agencies, Others
President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday
dissolved the governing boards of federal
government parastatals, agencies and
institutions.
Presidential spokesman, Mr. Femi
Adesina, who announced this in a
statement, a copy which was obtained by
LEADERSHIP Friday, noted that also
dissolved are administrative or technical
committees set up by the dissolved
boards, to the exclusion of federal
executive bodies recognised by the 1999
constitution.
He added that pending when new boards
are reconstituted, chief executive officers
of affected parastatals, agencies and
institutions are to channel all issues
handled by the boards to the president
via permanent secretaries of the
supervising ministries.
Boko Haram: Iran Pledges Support To
Nigeria
The Republic of Iran has assured
President Muhammadu Buhari of its
support to Nigeria in the fight against
terrorism and violent extremism.
This is even as the Nigerian president has
given the assurance that, under his
leadership, the country will continue to
support the use of nuclear technology for
only peaceful purposes and human
development.
He said Nigeria, as a country, welcomes
the agreement between Iran and the six
world powers on its nuclear programme
earlier this week.
Buhari, who stated this at a meeting with
visiting Iranian Vice President for
Executive Affairs, Mohammed
Shariatmadari, applauded the agreement,
saying that it was a major step toward
ensuring peace and stability in the Middle
East.
He also received an invitation from the
Iranian vice president to attend an
upcoming summit of gas exporting
countries in Tehran, the Iranian capital.
The president said that as a signatory to
the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty,
Nigeria was looking forward to the faithful
implementation of the terms of the
agreement by all concerned parties.
He noted that it was in the interest of
developing countries to maximize the use
of their natural resources for the
improvement of the living conditions of
their people.
Reflect On Ramadan Lesson – Sultan
Tells Muslims
The Sultan of Sokoto and president-
general of the Jama’atu Nasril Islam
(JNI), Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar yesterday
urged Muslims to reflect on the inherent
lessons embedded in fasting.
The Sultan, in a statement signed by the
JNI secretary-general, Dr. Khalid
Abubakar Aliyu, admonished Muslims to
reflect on the lessons of faith, sincerity,
sacrifice, humility, compassion, giving,
piety and commitment.
According to him, “Muslims should always
cast their minds back to the good virtues
of the month of Ramadan and keep to its
teachings throughout their lives.
“Above all, Muslims are reminded to
adhere strictly to the tenets of the
Glorious Qur’an, for the dignity of the
Ummah and humanity, for the redemption
of the Ummah always lies in upholding
the imperatives of the Qur’an, especially
in this painfully trying moment of our
nationhood.”
Given the importance of Ramadan in the
lives of the Muslims, Sultan urged
Muslims to sustain the spirit beyond the
month of Ramadan.
“It is no longer news that many parts of
the country are witnessing shortage of
rainfall, thus the need for more concerted
prayers to that effect.
“Most importantly, Muslims are also
reminded of Zakatul-Fitr (ordained
almsgiving at the end of Ramadan fast)
which preferably should be given out to
the needy two days before the Eid-el-Fitr
day or before the commencement of the
Eid i.e. before the Eid prayer commences.
This, if done, will assist the downtrodden
to celebrate the Sallah happily with the
rest of the Muslims.
“We therefore urge Muslim brothers and
sisters to continue praying fervently for
the peaceful existence of Nigeria, and
keep to the pristine teachings of Islam,”
the statement read.
Moon Sighted: Sallah Today – Sultan
The Sultan of Sokoto and president-
general, Nigeria Supreme Council for
Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Sa’ad Abubakar
III, said yesterday that the new moon of
Shawwal was sighted across the country
and declared today, Friday, as Sallah.
The Sultan, who spoke in his palace, said
Thursday was the 29th Day of Ramadan
and Friday July 17 becomes the first day
of Shawwal 1436 after hijira and the Day
of Eid al-Fitr.
According to a statement which the
Sultan personally read, the moon was
sighted in more than 10 states of the
federation.
The statement read thus, “In line with
laid-down Islamic rules and regulations, I
have the pleasure to inform you that the
new moon of Shawwal had been sighted
today, Thursday , the 29th Day of
Ramadan 1436, after hijira of the Prophet
Muhammad (SAW), which is equivalent to
16th July, 2015.
“Reliable reports of moon sighting were
received from Muslim leaders and
organizations across the country, in
states such as Sokoto, Kano, Borno,
Kaduna, Niger, Nasarawa, Zamfara,
Jigawa, Yobe, Bauchi and Kebbi, which
were duly verified and authenticated by
the National Moon Sighting Committee.
“Consequent upon this, tomorrow (today)
Friday, July 17, 2015 becomes the first
day of Shawwal 1436 after hijira and the
day of Eid al-Fitr.”
Sultan, therefore, congratulated all Muslim
faithful for the successful completion of
the Ramadan fast. He prayed that Allah
accept their deeds of faith and reward
them with paradise.
The Significance Of Sallah
Nigerian Muslims joined their counterparts
around the globe to mark the end of
Ramadan fasting popularly referred to as
Eid al-Fitr in Islamic parlance. Muslims
observe the fast during the 10th month of
the lunar calendar, Shawwal. Eid al-Fitr or
‘festival of the breaking of the fast’ is
celebrated at the end of the Islamic holy
month. The fast could be for 29 or 30
days depending on the sighting of the
moon by Islamic scholars which is
announced to faithful across the world.
During Ramadan, Muslims observe fasting
from dawn to dusk and the Eid festival is
a reward for them. Apart from fasting,
Muslims restrain themselves from all
kinds of vices including lying, cheating,
violence and theft during the holy month.
The celebration of Eid also marks the
anniversary of the Qur’an being revealed.
The history of the most significant
Muslim celebration dates back to 610 AD
when Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon
him), while meditating, had visions of
angel Jibril, the messenger of Allah. Over
the years, Prophet Mohammed, under the
guidance of Jibril, wrote the holy verses
of wisdom which later became the code
of conduct for followers of Islam and were
documented as the holy book of Qur’an.
It is believed that the wisdom of the holy
Qur’an was revealed to Mohammad
during the month of Ramadan and he
asked all Muslims to observe the month
to express their gratitude to Allah.
After spending a month on rigorous self-
cleansing during Ramadan, Muslims
around the world break their fast after the
crescent moon is sighted after sunset on
the last day of the holy month. On the
day, Muslim families and friends greet
each other with “Eid Mubarak” or “have a
Blessed Eid”. While the fasting month is a
symbol of sacrifice and purification, the
fast-breaking ceremony of Eid aims at
promoting love and brotherhood, and the
beginning of normal everyday life.
The day begins with an early hour bath
(ghusl), after which Muslims put on their
best clothes and eat dates before going to
the special Eid prayer ceremonies in
nearby mosques. Eid al-Fitr, which means
‘breaking the fast’, is incomplete without
the special delicacies meant for the
special occasion. Muslim families serve
the best of Eid meals during their
celebratory get-together on that day.
Some interesting facts about Eid al-Fitr
are:
It is customary to eat breakfast before
the special prayer of Eid, as Prophet
Mohammed used to eat something sweet
before offering his prayers.
As the crescent moon of Eid appears on
different dates in different countries, many
Muslim communities celebrate Eid on the
day it appears over the sky above Mecca.
The Eid prayer is different from the regular
prayer known as Adhaan. The special
prayer can be done anytime between the
Ishraq (dawn) and Zawal (midday)
prayers.
Also, Muslims usually give a special gift
of money to charity also known as Zakat-
ul-Fitr which is collected and given to
Muslims who are poor or in need.
In line with tradition, the federal
government has declared Friday, July 17,
2015 and Monday, July 20, 2015 as
public holidays to enable Muslims to
celebrate the end of the Ramadan fast.
Sallah: Katsina Emirate Cancels Durbar
The Katsina State Emirate Council has
cancelled the traditional durbar, popularly
known as Hawan Sallah, citing security
concerns.
Hawan Sallah is one of the traditional
events lined up for the sallah celebration
and is often characterised by display of
horse riding.
A statement signed by the district head of
Rimi, who also doubles as Kauran
Katsina, Alhaji Nuhu Abdulkadir, said the
Emir, Abdulmumini Kabir Usman, ordered
an outright cancellation of the fiesta.
Oshiomhole Congratulates Muslims,
Preaches Peace
Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State
has urged Nigerian Muslims to exhibit the
true spirit of peace and love in their daily
dealings with men of all faith, saying that
Islam, as a religion, of peace abhors
violence in whatever guise.
The governor congratulated the Muslim
Ummah on the success of this year’s
Ramadan and urged them to inculcate the
lessons learnt during the Ramadan fast to
positively impact on their neighbours and
the larger society.
TUC Sues For Peace Among Muslims
Nigeria’s labour centre, the Trade Union
Congress, has called on Nigerians,
especially Muslims, to make the
necessary commitment to the nation by
seeing every Nigerian, irrespective of his
or her religious orientation, as brother and
sister, saying that it is the only way the
country can move forward.
In a sallah message by its president,
Comrade Bobboi Bala Kaigama, and
secretary general, Comrade (Barr.) Musa
Lawal, they congratulated Nigerian
Muslims and non-Muslims alike on this
year’s Eid al-Fitri celebration.
Lagos Speaker Advises Nigerians On
Sustainable Peace
The speaker of Lagos State House of
Assembly, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, has
advised Nigerian Muslims to ensure that
they did not neglect the virtues they
displayed and enjoy during the month of
Ramadan.
He gave the advice in his Eid al-Fitri
message to the nation, stating that
Muslims all over the country should
continue to display the spirit of love
sharing and peace which were the major
virtues they displayed during the
Ramadan period.
Adamawa Civil Servants Get Free Meat
Adamawa civil servants were in jubilation
mood as the state government distributed
free meat to them to celebrate Sallah
festivity.
The workers who expressed happiness
said the gesture will bring succour to
them as they said the festivity came in
austere times.
“The gesture will affect our lives positively
as it will make life better for us as the
celebration lasts,” a civil servant who
pleaded anonymity said.
Sustain The Lessons of Ramadan,
Fayose, Mimiko Urge Muslims
Ekiti State governor Ayo Fayose has
advised Muslims and non-Muslims in the
country not to lose sight of the gains and
lessons of the Ramadan fast as they
celebrate the Eid al-Fitr.
The governor, who gave the advice in his
Sallah message yesterday in Ado-Ekiti,
said all that was put into the month-long
fast would make no meaning if the
lessons learnt were not sustained beyond
the period.

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