As the Muslim faithful across the world celebrate Eid el fitri which marks the end of the month long fasting, the National President of Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Hon Tony Iju Nwabunike has sent a special Eid el fitri greeting to the Muslim ulama in Nigeria and the world.
Hon Nwabunike, who is on study leave at the Harvad University, U.S.A, noted that the Eid el fitri celebration which marks the end of a month long Ramadan fasting concided with the Christians’ lenten season and Easter celebration, calling on Christians and Muslims in the country to allow the lessions of the period rub off on national life.
The message personally signed by Hon Nwabunike (Iju Ozubulu), a on High Chief in Ozubulu, Anambra State reads in part:
“The one month long fasting period for Musims is instructive in our national life as Nigerians.
“Indeed our Muslim brothers and sisters have gone through a period of self denial, persistently praying and always giving alms to the needy in line with the dictates of their faith.
“These great virtues, which rubs on our national life, teaches us piety ,love , tolerance and selflessness associated with the teachings of the revered Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).
“Whereas as a Catholic, our lent period this year coincided with many days of the Ramadan month, I know that the good works believers practiced during fasting can be sustained and continued after the fasting period.
“If we shunned schisms , showed more love and did works of charity during Ramadan, we can continue in that path forever as a way of re-creating a more peaceful and prosperous Nigeria.
“Going by way of a homily to address our secular audience in the maritime, aviation and total logistics sectors, I want to urge politicians, and public servants superintending over us, who are adherents of the faiths to lead Nigeria with the fear of God.”
Hon Nwabunike told operators in the maritime industry that obedience to rules governing “our operation” is the key to unlock the many untapped but identified channels of successes.
He said anytime he hears the word compliance used in addressing private sector players in the maritime industry, “I feel a sense of narrow minded expression by the users of such mode of communication.
“Government agencies owe Nigeria and Nigerians the duty to be compliant by discharging their duties without fear or favour and totally avoiding compromise of their positions for personal gains.
“A holistic compliance will make technology work for us and present us truly as nation builders who obey the teachings of our religious leanings,” Chief Nwabunike said.
He urged the Muslim brethren not to see the Eid el fitri as the end of being nice until the next Ramadan comes. “It should not be a leeway to return to deviance and disobedience,” he said.
Chief Nwabunike stated that all Nigerians have roles to play in building the country, saying the “trying times we have found ourselves places enormous responsibilities on our shoulders.”
