MACBAN Calls For Forgiveness, Peace As Muslims Celebrate Eid al-Adha:
Has called on Nigerians to embrace the true essence of the Eid al-Adha festival and let go of past grievances and trauma in the interest of peace and sustainable coexistence.
Gidado Siddiki, the leader of Fulani Awka and National Deputy Director General of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) made the call in his Sallah message on Sunday.
He called for forgiveness, peace and civic responsibility as Muslims across the world celebrate Eid al-Adha.
Eid al-Adha is a significant festival which commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son, Ishaq and God’s divine intervention by providing a ram in his place,
Siddiki extended warm greetings to Nigerians, especially members of (MACBAN) saying that the celebration was a sacred occasion which symbolised sacrifice, faith, and obedience.
“We must choose reconciliation and unity for the collective good of our nation.
“I particularly call on our members in the Southeast to continue fostering harmonious relationships with their host communities and refrain from any actions that could undermine the peace we have enjoyed together over the years.
“I also call on all pastoralists to always inform their leaders of any challenges, grievances, or traumatic experiences they encounter,” he said.
Siddiki warned members against taking the law into their own hands but subject themselves to due process and peaceful engagement as they were the strongest tools for justice and lasting peace.
He called on the government at all levels to safeguard lives and properties of all including the pastoral community saying that security, protection and inclusivity must be guaranteed for everyone.
“I challenge the narrative that unfairly labels pastoralists as criminals, it is unjust and dangerous to blanket demonise any group.
“Criminality has no ethnic identity, and we must resist such stigmatisation.
“We encourage our members in Anambra to prepare and ensure you have your Permanent Voter Cards ahead of the Nov. 8 elections.
Active civic participation is vital in choosing leaders who will represent our interests and protect our rights.
“We are to the government and people of all Southeast states for their continued hospitality and for allowing us to peacefully carry out our legitimate business of cattle breeding and sales,” he said.
