…Bago preaches love, obedience, sacrifice
Governor Dikko Radda of Katsina State has reportedly rejected 100 rams from a philanthropist in the state.
His Niger State counterpart, Mohammed Bago, urged Muslims to imbibe the virtues of love, obedience and sacrifice as exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim.
It was gathered that the rams were presented to Radda, yesterday, ahead of today’s Sallah celebration, but he turned down the offer.
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Locals said the donation offended the governor, who warned against bringing him such gifts in the future.
Another philanthropist, Muhammed Kabir, said he was with the governor when the rams were brought to him, but the governor asked that the animals be returned to their owner.
Kabir, who expressed happiness over the development, said “such character is needed among leaders in the country.”
He wondered why some philanthropists would dole out gifts to people in leadership position, when they have less privileged persons around them who deserve assistance.
Radda, therefore, called on wealthy individuals to use the festive period to help the poor.
Meanwhile, the governor has called on Christians and Muslims to use the Sallah fesitvity to foster harmonious living among themselves.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Mohammed, the governor urged them to use the celebration to reawaken the spirit of brotherhood among Nigerians, irrespective of religious and ideological leaning.
He said it is fundamental that Nigerians live peacefully and harmoniously, to foster peace, love and true brotherhood.
“I congratulate Muslims in Nigeria for joining their counterparts across the world to celebrate the 2023 Eid-ul-Adha (festival of sacrifice). The religious festival affords Muslims the opportunity to appreciate their Creator’s endless favour in their lives.
“I urge Muslims in Katsina and other parts of the country to steadfastly pray for national unity, peace and integration this season and always,” he said.
He tasked President Bola Tinubu, governors and other political leaders to assiduously work towards rebuilding the country.
In his Sallah message, yesterday, signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, Governor Bago stressed the significance of Eid-el-Kabir to Muslims and urged them to use the occasion to deepen their faith and submission to the will of Allah.
He noted the economic difficulties occasioned by the removal of petrol subsidy and appealed to the people to show understanding and confidence in government at all levels, as efforts were being made to roll out palliatives to cushion the effect of subsidy removal.
Bago charged Muslims to remain devoted to their religion, showing kindness and tolerance for harmonious co-existence in the society.
“I congratulate all Muslims on the celebration of this year’s Eid-el-Kabir. I call on you to imbibe and reflect on the great lessons of the festival, which are the hallmarks of Islam.
“As you celebrate, show pity, make personal sacrifice to the common good and collective interest of the people,” he said.
While praying for improved security and peace of the state and the country, he reassured citizens of his determination and commitment to build a New Niger State where peace, unity and development will be the order of the day as captured in his administration’s policy thrust. (The Guardian)
