By Jubril Bada, Adekola Afolabi & Chris Chris Chimezie
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Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN), has urged Muslim faithful to pray for the leadership of Ondo State and the country in general, as they supplicate to the Almighty Allah on the celebration of this year’s Eid-el-Kabir.

This is contained in a statement made available to journalists in Akure yesterday by the Chief Press Secretary to the State Governor, Mr Olusegun Ajiboye.

The statement said Akeredolu is delighted to extend his best regards to the Muslim community across the country over the successful celebration of this year’s Eid-el-Kabir.

“Arakunrin Akeredolu expressed the belief that the annual festival, which symbolises sacrifice and peace, will be celebrated by the Muslims with the fear of God, continued service to humanity and love for one another.

“He therefore urged them to be moderate in their activities as they peacefully visit various places of interest to celebrate the much-cherished festival.

“He is sure that the Muslim community will also extend their hands of fellowship and love to the less-privileged in the society,” he said.

According to the statement, the governor prayed that Almighty Allah accepts the prayers of the Muslims on this special day and he wished them Barka de Sallah and multiple blessings from God.

Also, Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Bamidele Oleyelogun  congratulated Muslim faithful in the state and the country in general as they joined their counterparts across the world to celebrate this year Eid-el-Kabir.

Oleyelogun in his Sallah message enjoined muslim faithful to imbibe and sustain the virtues of humility, love and sacrifice as demonstrated by Prophet Muhammed as they celebrate Eid-El-Kabir festival.

He urged muslim faithful to continue to pray for peace and unity in the country, just as he attributed the existing peace in the country to the fervent prayers by various religious leaders and individuals.

According to the Speaker, Eid-el-Kabir festival offers the opportunity for sober reflection and spiritual renewal which Allah demands from the adherents.

“While we felicitate with our Muslim brothers and sisters on the occasion of Sallah celebration, we encourage them to use this period to continue to live up to their faith through acts of charity, sacrifice, unity, peaceful co-existence with their neighbours and obedience to the teachings of the Holy Quran.

“As we celebrate, let us remember the poor and the needy in line with the teachings of Allah to be our brother’s keeper. Let us also pray and work for  peace and progress of our communities, state and our dear country”, Oleyelogun stated.

The Speaker further congratulated Muslim faithful in Ondo State and Nigeria at large who are on the Holy Pilgrimage being one of the pillars of Islam,  and prayed Almighty Allah to grant them journey mercies as they travel back home.

He equally called on the faithful and the citizens at large to continue to support and pray for the present administration in the state, led by Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, in its efforts at making life more meaningful to the people of the state.

In the same vein, the Caretaker Chairman of Akure South Local Government Area, Mrs Margaret Atere, has joined well-meaning Nigerians to felicitate with Muslim faithful in the state on the occasion of Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

Mrs Atere in her Eid-el-Kabir message, congratulated Muslim brothers and sisters, including the Chief Imam of Akure, Adul-Akeem Yayi Akorede for witnessing this year’s Sallah.

“On behalf of the Management, Staff, Traditional Rulers and the good people of Akure South Local Government, I congratulate the Chief Imam of Akure land, Adul-Akeem Yayi Akorede and all our Muslim brothers and sisters on the celebration of 2018” Ileya. May we all celebrate more of it, In- Sha Allah,” she said.

Meanwhile, Chief Imam of Akure, Alhaji Abdulhakeem Akorede, has appealed to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to put in its best to ensure that the 2019 general election is free and fair.

He advised the commission to be focused and not allow the threat from some quarters in the country, which he said do not want the election to be peaceful.

The Imam gave the advice in his address presented at this year’s Eid-el-Kabir celebrations at Akure Praying Ground yesterday.

He also used the celebration to appeal to the National Assembly to do the needful by assisting Nigeria. As to deliberate and treat issues that will benefit the citizenry, rather than dissipating energy on issues that will portray them as unscrupulous elements.

The cleric, who welcomed President Muhammadu Buhari from his holiday trip to London to the country made it clear that it is the president’s stance against corruption that has made the enemies of the country to become jittery.

He commended him for his steadfastness and perseverance, noting that no corrupt-minded politician can be comfortable with his government.

Akorede also commended the State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, for the regular payment of salaries of workers and his wisdom to manage the affairs of the state.

He appealed to the governor to display the same  wisdom in addressing the use of the 2017 leave allowances to disabuse the erroneous belief by some people that the leave allowances will not be paid to workers.

While speaking on the forth coming local government election in the state, is significant, the State Electoral Commission (ODIEC) to tighten its belt to ensure the success of the election.