By Our Reporter
The immediate past zonal Chairman South East and incumbent Deputy Director General Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Gidado Siddiki, Sarkin Fulani Awka, Anambra State has called for peaceful coexistence, while urging religious leaders of different faiths to distinguished themselves as spiritual leaders and desist from anything that could hinder societal harmony.
The MACBAN top official stated this in his Eid al-Adha, also known as Eid al-Kabir message to religious leaders across board, especially those operating within the South-East geopolitical zone.
“Eid al-Adha, also known as Eid al-Kabir, is celebrated annually by Muslims worldwide to commemorate Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son Isma’il as an act of obedience to Allah, who then substituted Isma’il with a ram. This is why Muslims traditionally sacrifice a ram on this day.
“We observe Eid al-Kabir as an act of submission to Almighty Allah, acknowledging that everything we receive and experience is ordained by Him. Despite enduring losses due to attacks and insurgency, we recognize that insecurity affects every region, not just the South East. Therefore, we use this occasion to beseech Allah for forgiveness and grant solace to those who have lost loved ones, while expressing gratitude for our own health and survival.
“Furthermore, I encourage my fellow residents of the South East to refrain from actions that jeopardize the peaceful coexistence we have enjoyed with our host communities, and instead foster unity and harmony amongst ourselves and with our hosts.
“We also appeal to the Government, traditional authorities, and other institutions in the South East to treat us equitably, recognizing us as their constituents deserving of fair treatment. Additionally, I urge religious leaders of all faiths to acknowledge their role as custodians of peace, refraining from making inflammatory statements that could disrupt societal harmony”, he stated.
