TheCable

Speaker of the house of representatives, Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has urged the federal government to relax the state of emergency in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states during the Ramadan period.

This is to enable the Muslims perform the fasting ritual hitch-free, he said.

This year’s fasting at Ramadan ─ which is the holiest month in Islam ─ will start on or before June 28.

In the past, Boko Haram hardly struck during Ramadan.

Speaking at the event tagged “National Prayers for Peace and Security” on Sunday, Tambuwal said the National Assembly would do everything within its constitutional powers to support government’s efforts in the fight against terrorism.

He cited the recent approval granted by the legislature for the renewal of the emergency rule as evidence of co-operation between executive and legislature.

“This is a clear example of National Assembly’s support and co-operation in the fight against terrorism in the north-east zone of the country,” he said.

Vice-President Namadi Sambo, who led other prominent Nigerians in a national prayers session for peace, progress and the total eradication of terrorism and social vices in Nigeria, challenged the Muslim Ummah on the need to pray fervently for continued peace and tranquility in the country.

Sambo, at the event held at the National Mosque, said the call had become imperative in view of the fact that prayers were a strong weapon against any adversity.

“Let me reiterate that when any adverse situation befell the Ummah during the time of Prophet Muhammad and the Sahabah, their greatest weapon was resorting to prayers to seek for Allah’s intercession.

“We shall continue to organise prayers as frequently as possible and Allah in his infinite mercy will answer our prayers in removing in totality the act of terrorism by the Boko Haram and all other vices in Nigeria.

“Let me at this juncture urge all Nigerians to continue to pray for lasting peace and unity of our dear country,” he said.

Sambo called on the Muslim Ummah to promote the ideals of Islam by living according to the tenets of the religion, saying “Islam promotes peace, good neighbourliness and kindness”.

The Vice-President further enjoined Muslims not to allow “the few disgruntled elements among us to portray Islam and Muslims in bad light”.

He, therefore, appealed to Muslim clerics to always apply modesty in their sermons and preaching, while calling for adherence to the Sunnah of Prophet Mohammed.

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, who also spoke at the occasion, stressed the importance of justice, equity and fairness to the maintenance of peace in every society.

He urged Muslims, especially those in leadership positions, to shun corruption and any act which would affect the development of the country.

Goodwill messages from Islamic organisations and religious leaders were also delivered at the occasion, which was organised by the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA).