By Baron Ike
Eid-el-kabir, the famous festival of sacrifice celebrated by Muslims annually was observed globally with President Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria celebrating his in Daura his home town.
Speaking to National Youth Service Corps members in Daura who went to felicitate with him, Buhari preached love, peace and unity among Nigerians.
Across the country where the Eid was celebrated Muslims and non Muslims alike were tasked by leaders and Imams on peaceful coexistence particularly as the 2019 general election is drawing close.
A major characteristics of this year’s festival of sacrifice was the complaint by Muslims that they were not able to buy the basic things they needed due to the economic hardship facing them.
Both the Muslims and those who sell items like ram bemoaned the hardship that adversely affected the occasion.
Ram dealers had lamented that there were no customers to patronise them unlike before now, while the celebrants complained of lack of money to buy the ram.
Regardless, the event went on with most celebrants thankful to God that they were alive to witness this year’s festival.
Buhari had urged Nigerians to pray for good food harvest this season just as former military head of state, Abdulsalami Abubakar counseled the political leaders to place the good of the country ahead of their personal interest.
Abubakar urged politicians to desist from fighting one another in the name of election.
He warned against violence and preached harmous relationship regardless of political affiliation.
The chief imam of Abuja Central Mosque, Prof. Galadanci urged politicians to echew bitterness and make tolerance, love and unity of the country their watchword as 2019 beckons.
The federal government declared August 21 and 22 as work free day to enable Muslims mark the festival.