With the recent confirmation of the Delta variant of Coronavirus (COVID-19), a federal lawmaker, Hon. Olajide Olatubosun has appealed to Muslim faithful to celebrate the Sallah moderately.
Olatubosun representing Atisbo/Saki-West/Saki-East federal constituency in the House of Representatives made the appeal in a statement issued to felicitate Muslims and Nigerians generally.
In the statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Monday, the lawmaker said the people should bore it in mind that coronavirus was still very much around.
He specifically urged them to observe the non-pharmaceutical protocols as directed by the government in order to curb its spread.
“The preventive guidelines introduced by the government to curtail the spread of this deadly disease would undoubtedly limit our freedom to gather and worship in large numbers.
“The measures are, however, for our good even when they have unintended consequences on our daily lives and freedom.
“I, therefore, call on Muslim faithful and those of other faiths to show high level of understanding, perseverance and patience as we collectively learn to regulate our lives in order to curb the spread of this unfortunate pandemic.
“The willingness of the Muslim Ummah not to congregate in large number at the Eid ground in line with government directives only goes to show the level of their sacrifice to ensure preservation of humanity,’’ he said.
Olatubosun called on the rich in the society to use the opportunity of Sallah to bring succour to the less privileged in the society.
He said the gesture was imperative at the time many Nigerians were faced with the hardship brought about by the global coronavirus pandemic compounded by the challenges of insurgency, kidnapping and banditry in the country.
The lawmaker who said he had reached out to his constituents in cash and kind, including rams, food and other items for the festivity, said“life can only be meaningful if we share with our fellow citizens.’’
The lawmaker also called on the people, regardless of their faiths, to exercise patience, understanding and spirit of sacrifice with the current administration.
He expressed the hope that with the on-going efforts being made by President Muhammadu Buhari and the marching order given to the security agents to redouble their efforts in restoring peace, normalcy would soon be restored in the country.
“I call for your understanding as the government of President Muhammadu Buhari addresses the root cause of increase in prices of food and other commodities in the country.
“The unfortunate escalation in the prices of food items was caused majorly by the activities of the insurgents, bandits, and kidnappers across the country.
“Farmers can no longer have access to their farms in spite the huge investments in agriculture by the government.
“We have hope of better days ahead because the Buhari’s government is not relenting in its efforts at dealing with insecurity in the country.
“The armed forces have been further equipped and motivated to engage the criminals.
“Let us not despair as there is light at the end of the tunnel,’’ he said.
The lawmaker called on Muslim faithful to internalise the teachings of the Holy Prophet Muhammed (SAW) which dwell basically on love, sacrifice, patience, perseverance and understanding.
He said if the teachings were followed, most of the vices currently threatening to tear our country apart would be non-existent.