The Emir of Bade and deputy chairman of the Yobe State Traditional Council of Chiefs, Alhaji Umar Abubakar Suleiman, has appealed to traders in Yobe State to consider the plight of the poor and reduce food prices.
The emir made the appeal yesterday in an interview with LEADERSHIP in his palace, Gashua Bade, in Yobe State.
The traditional ruler expressed concern that the continuous rise in food prices is worsening economic hardships for indigent people and urged for relief.
According to him, the devaluation of the naira has created a dire situation for the poor, which he described as a looming calamity.
“I appeal to traders to consider the struggles of the poor and lower food prices. The daily surge in food costs is worsening economic difficulties. Those in control of pricing must consider this,” he said.
Suleiman said that the holy month of Ramadan is not a period to increase the prices of commodities. It is a sin to do, and he also appealed to traders not to increase the prices of commodities during Ramadan.
Similarly, the Emir of Machina in Yobe State, HRH Alhaji (Dr) Bashir Albashir Bukar Machinama, has urged wealthy persons to assist the less privileged as Muslims worldwide look forward to the commencement of the one-month fast of Ramadan.
The monarch challenged clerics to preach religious tolerance and harmonious relationships among the people of his domain.
He said, “It is important that the highly placed individuals in the society should fathom out succour for the less privileged in the society,” he said
He said, “I want to use this opportunity to inform you that you should always promote and enhance peace as well as strengthen unity and the progress of Machina Emirate, Yobe State, and the country at large.
“By Allah’s grace, Nigeria will be able to overcome the security challenges bedevilling the country with ceaseless and fervent prayers during the Holy month of Ramadan.”
The monarch reminded clerics of their roles as representatives of God on earth, saying they should always strive to be shining examples in words and deeds.
He called on Muslims in the country to pray for peace, unity, and progress during Ramadan, especially in states with security challenges.
