Shettima, Zulum Urge Peace As Worshippers Observe Peaceful Sallah In Borno

Vice President Kashim Shettima and the Borno State governor, Prof Babagana Zulum, joined thousands of Muslim faithful yesterday to observe the Eid prayers at Ramat Square, Maiduguri.

The two-unit prayers were observed peacefully on Friday at the main Eid ground and other prayer grounds across the state under tight security, marking the end of the month-long Ramadan fast.

In a Sallah message shortly after the sermon by the Imam Idaini of Borno, Shettiima Mamman Saleh, the vice president called for unity and peaceful coexistence in the state and the country as a whole.

Senator Shettima assured the federal government’s commitment to protecting the lives and properties of the citizenry, stressing that the fight against insurgency would be tackled head-on.

“We believe that the 30 days of fasting that we observed call for a deeper reflection for us to understand that unity and peace of this country is absolutely essential for our development.

“What binds us together supersedes what divides us. Incidentally, the Ramadan coincided with the Lent season of our Christian brothers and sisters,” the vice president said.

He noted that there can never be development without peace and there can never be peace without development.

The VP called on Nigerians to fuse into one and face the country’s common challenges of under development, insecurity and destitution.

“We want to salute the governor of Borno State, the Shehu of Borno and all the people of Borno for their resilience, for their commitment and their passion to enthrone peace, social harmony and progress in Borno, the Northeast and Nigeria at large,” Shettima added.

The Imam Idaini admonished worshippers to imbibe the lessons learned during the holy month and encouraged the Muslim faithful to give alms to the poor (zakatul fitr) and to fast six days in the month of Shawwal to receive Allah’s bounties and rewards.

In a Sallah message, Borno State governor, Prof Babagana Zulum, called on Muslim faithful to recharge their spiritual beings towards rebuilding a secure, peaceful and prosperous Borno.

He saluted the courage, resilience, and commitment of the people to all initiatives aimed at deepening security and peace-building among the various components of society, fragmented by the Boko Haram insurgency over the years.

The Eid prayer was attended by the Shehu of Borno, Shehu Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai Almin El-Kanemi; the Borno State deputy governor, Umar Usman Kadafur; the APC deputy national chairman, North, Alhaji Ali Bukar Dalori, Senator Ali Ndume, Senator Shehu Lawan, the minister of state for Regional Development, Alhaji Uba Maigari, among others.