By Abdullahi Abdulrahman, Yenagoa
National News — The Bayelsa State Council for Islamic Affairs has urged Muslims across the state to celebrate Eid-el-Kabir peacefully and in harmony with other religious groups.
Speaking with journalists, the Vice President-General of the Bayelsa State Council for Islamic Affairs, Yakubu Otobo, encouraged Muslim faithful to continue their peaceful coexistence with non-Muslims in the state.
According to him, Eid-el-Kabir is a sacred period for Muslims to offer sacrifices to Allah in obedience to the teachings and example of Prophet Muhammad.
Otobo also appreciated the Governor of Bayelsa State for the support, love, and generosity extended to the Muslim community in the state.
Speaking further, he expressed dissatisfaction with the activities of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Religious Affairs.
“The SA brought in a separate faction to remove me from my position, but thankfully we took the matter to court and the court ruled in my favour,” Otobo said.
“The ruling has been documented, but the SA still insists on working with the other faction, and this is causing misunderstanding among Muslims in Bayelsa,” he added.
Also speaking, the National Chairman of the Muslim Youth Council in Bayelsa, Muhammed Erefagha, warned that the lingering disagreement could lead to avoidable conflict if not properly addressed.
“Some youths wanted to stage a protest, but we advised them against it and encouraged them to remain calm,” Erefagha stated.
He called on the state government to intervene in the matter to prevent further division within the Muslim community.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the League of Imams, Abusufyan Uche, described the Eid sacrifice as a commemoration of Prophet Ibrahim’s obedience to Allah when he was instructed to sacrifice his son.
“The act demonstrated Prophet Ibrahim’s total devotion to Allah, and in return, Allah provided a ram to be sacrificed in place of his son,” Abusufyan explained.
He also expressed gratitude to the Prosperity Government for its support and goodwill toward Muslims in Bayelsa State.
However, he alleged that the goodwill of the governor was being undermined by the Special Adviser on Religious Affairs.
Abusufyan advised the state government to call the SA to order in order to preserve the peace and unity of the Muslim community in the state.
He concluded by wishing Muslims across Nigeria a peaceful and successful Eid-el-Kabir celebration.
