Sourcenews24/update.com
By Peter Akpah
President Buhari celebrated the Eid-el-Fitr with his immediate family in the statehouse, Abuja today May 24. The celebration is being observed on a low-key due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
The President, who has traditionally shared the joyous moment with top government officials, political leaders, community heads, Muslim and Christian religious leaders and children, will not be receiving these homages in a bid to curb the Coronavirus from further spreading.
By Peter Akpah
Some Muslims gather at a praying ground in Katsina State in commemoration of the Eid-El-Fitr on May 24, 2020, despite worning and restriction by the government, the sultan has earlier said no Eid-El-ftr prayers in public places reason being the current situation of the spread of the coronavirus, and social distancing.
Muslim faithful in Katsina State have joined their counterparts across the globe to celebrate this year’s Eid-El-Fitr.
Hundreds of worshippers thronged the famous Usman Danfodio Juma’at Mosque to perform the two Raka’at Eid-El-Fitr prayers led by the Chief Imam, Ustaz Mukhtar Jibia.
The prayer held on the premises of the mosque on Sunday in the Katsina State capital.
In separate interviews with some of the worshippers described this year’s Eid as ironic, as they mark the end of the Holy month of Ramadan amid the coronavirus pandemic ravaging the world.
They commended the efforts of both the Federal and State governments in tackling the activities of bandits terrorising some states in the North West.
The residents also noted that the number of military personnel and other paramilitary apparatus deployed within the week to boost the fight against bandits was quite appreciable.
They, however, appealed to the government to double their efforts in the fight against kidnapping and cattle rustling in Katsina State.
By Peter Akpah
Crowd of Muslim faithful storm a praying ground in Nasarawa State for the Eid-El-Fitr congregational prayer on May 24, 2020.
As the world bids farewell to the fasting month of Ramadan, some Muslim faithful in Nigeria have participated in congregational prayers to mark this year’s Eid-El-Fitr.
In Nasarawa, scores of Muslim faithful stormed a praying ground for a congregational Eid prayer.
Congregational prayers also held in parts of the country despite the restriction on such gatherings by the Head of Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) and Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar III.
The directive comes as part of measures to curb the further spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) such as social distancing and the use of face masks, among others.
Eid-El-Fitr means “festival of breaking the fast” and celebrations would normally begin depending on the sighting of the moon.
However, this year’s occasion could not be celebrated as usual as some nations across the world have also suspended Eid prayers and outdoor festivals.
By Peter Akpah
PLATEAU STATE GOVERNMENT ASSURES ON RELIGIOUS PLURALISM – Manjang.
The Plateau state Government says it will continue to observe and sustain the religious diversity of the state.
In a message rejoicing with the Muslim umma over the conclusion of their fasting period and celebration of Eid- el Fitr Sallah festival, state Commissioner of Information and Communication Dan Manjang explained that Governor Simon Lalong has since assuming office in 2015 administered the state without religious or any bias.
Manjang explained that he recognizes the difficulty of Ramadan during lockdown occasioned by the COVID 19 global pandemic.
He notes the leader of the Rescue Administration Governor Simon Lalong has within limited resources distributed palliatives without discrimination for the vulnerable in all the 17 Local Governments of the State.
The Plateau state Information and Communication Commissioner particularly notes that this year’s eid prayers coincides with the Christian day of worship on Sunday.
Manjang explains it is not a mere coincidence but the special plan of God for tolerance, accommodation and peaceful coexistence.
While adhering to government’s directive on the celebration, Manjang implores the Muslim umma and other Nigerians not to let their guard down but strengthen their resolve to mitigate the spread of COVID 19 not just in the state but the country at large.
Hon Dan Manjang
Commissioner
Ministry of Information& Communication,
Plateau State.
24 May, 2020
By Peter Akpah
Hon. Haruna Maitala felicitates with the Muslim Ummah on the occasion of Eid-el-Fitri.
The Hon. member representing Jos North/Bassa federal constituency in the National Assembly, Haruna Maitala (Turakin Jere) congratulates the Muslim Ummah in his constituency in particular and Plateau state in general on the successful completion of this year’s Ramadan obligation and on the occasion of the Eid El- Fitri celebrations.
Hon. Maitala describes the successful end of the Ramadan period amidst the challenges of the COVID 19 pandemic as a great moment of personal denial and sacrifice and prays Allah ( SAW) to accept all acts of piety, forgive the sins of humanity and heal our country.
He expresses hope that through the intercessory commitment of Muslims at the moment, all the ills and negative occurrences that the country has suffered in recent times will surely give way to a period of joy and prosperity .
The Hon. member uses this occasion to call on all Muslims to commit themselves totally to the virtues of love and sacrifice by sharing whatever they have with neighbours and the vulnerable among us, believing that it is only by so doing that the essence of the celebration will be deeply realised .
Hon. Haruna Maitala appeals to all those celebrating not to loose sight of the reality of the COVID 19 pandemic and go behaving as though the virus is no longer with us,but to be wary of all the guidelines, directives and Orders issued by Government as well as instructions by health experts, all aimed at curtailing the spread of the disease.
Joseph A. Adudu
Media Consultant to
Hon. Haruna Maitala (Turakin Jere)
Member representing Jos North/Bassa federal constituency in the National Assembly
By Peter Akpah
EID-EL-FITR: GOVERNOR LALONG GREETS MUSLIMS, URGES MORE PRAYERS FOR PLATEAU STATE AND NIGERIA.
Plateau State Governor and Chairman, Northern Governors Forum, Simon Bako Lalong, has rejoiced with Muslims as they mark another Eid-el-Fitr under unusual conditions occasioned by the Corona virus pandemic.
Lalong who congratulated them for successfully undertaking and concluding the Ramadan fast – thereby fulfilling a very significant injunction of the Islamic Faith, said the period calls for solemn celebrations.
He said “While this year’s Eid-el-Fitr may be celebrated in solemnity and privacy of your homes, the occasion nonetheless presents the opportunity for our Muslim brothers and sisters to reflect on the spiritual benefits accruing from their fasting and prayers, and apply it to their lifestyle for a better society where there is love, peace and tranquility”.
Governor Lalong said the challenges of COVID-19 will remain with us for a long time to come and that is where we shall need lifestyles that are commensurate with the teachings of our faiths as people and Governments work together to assist one another to build a better society.
He appealed to Muslims to continue to cooperate with Government by observing all regulations put in place to curb the spread of Corona Virus by observing social distancing, use of face masks, constantly washing hands and applying sanitizers, avoiding large gatherings and staying at home – particularly now that Plateau State is witnessing community transmission in some areas.
The Governor also enjoined Muslims to reach out to less privileged members of the society and people of other faiths as a way of enhancing bonds of friendship and brotherhood that promotes tolerance, peace and solidarity.
While wishing all Nigerian Muslims Eid Mubarak, Lalong asked them to continue to intensify prayers for the peace and progress of Plateau State and for God to stop the Corona Virus pandemic which has interrupted lifestyles, freedoms and economic prosperity.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham, ANIPR,
Director of Press & Public Affairs to
the Governor of Plateau State &
Chairman, Northern Governors Forum.
23rd May 2020.
By Peter Akpah
President Muhammadu Buhari has signed into law, Executive Order No. 10 of 2020 for the implementation of Financial Autonomy of State Legislature and State Judiciary Order, 2020.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by Dr Umar Jibrilu Gwandu, Special Assistant on Media and Public Relations Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and made available to newsmen in Abuja on Friday.
According to the statement, a Presidential Implementation Committee was constituted to fashion out strategies and modalities for the implementation of financial autonomy for the State Legislature and State Judiciary in compliance with section 121(3) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as Amended); taking into considerations all other applicable laws, instruments, conventions and regulations, which provides for financial autonomy at the State tier of Government.
It further noted that the implementation of financial autonomy of the State Legislature and State Judiciary will strengthen the institutions at the State tier of Government and make them more independent and accountable in line with the tenets of democracy as enshrined by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended).
“The President signed the Executive Order number 10 into law based on the power vested in him as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria under Section 5 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as Amended), which extends to the execution and maintenance of the Constitution, laws made by the National Assembly (including but not limited to Section 121(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which guarantee financial autonomy of the State Legislature and State Judiciary”.
The Order Provides that “The Accountant-General of the Federation shall by this Order and such any other Orders, Regulations or Guidelines as may be issued by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, authorise the deduction from source in the course of Federation Accounts Allocation from the money allocated to any State of the Federation that fails to release allocation meant for the State Legislature and State Judiciary in line with the financial autonomy guaranteed by Section 121(3) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as Amended)”.
Based on the Executive Order at the commencement of this Order for implementation of financial autonomy for State Legislature and State Judiciary in line with section 121(3) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), all States of the Federation shall include the allocations of the two Arms of Government in their Appropriation Laws.
Article 6 (1) provides that “notwithstanding the provisions of this Executive Order, in the first three years of its implementation, there shall be special extraordinary capital allocations for the Judiciary to undertake capital development of State Judiciary Complexes, High Court Complexes, Sharia Court of Appeal, Customary Court of Appeal and Court Complexes of other Courts befitting the status of a court.
By Peter Akpah
Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum and Governor of Plateau State Simon Bako Lalong has commiserated with Sen. Kabiru Ibrahim Gaya over the death of his wife, Hajiya Halima Gaya.
In a condolence message to Senator Gaya, Governor Lalong described the death of Hajiya Halima as shocking and painful, describing her as a woman who gave her best for the good of the society through investment in education and other philanthropic gestures.
Governor Lalong said “The Northern Governors Forum sends its deep condolences to you and members of your family for this enormous loss which affects all. The late Hajiya Halima committed herself to building the future through the promotion of youth development and women empowerment. She represented the less privileged and promoted their cause at all times’’.
Lalong said though her death creates a huge vacuum in the Gaya family and the society, there is solace in the legacies she left behind which will continue to resonate for a long time.
He urged Senator Gaya, his immediate family and the people of Kano State to accept her death as ordained by God, praying that Allah (SWT) grants them the fortitude to bear this great loss and reward her good deeds with paradise.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham, ANIPR,
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State and Chairman, Northern Governors Forum.
May 22, 2020
By Peter Akpah
Dr Sumaye Hamza wishing all Muslim Ummah a rewarding Eid-El-Fitr salah celebration ,
Eid-El-Fitr goodwill message to the good people of plateau and indeed the Muslim Ummah. I pray we all have a rewarding Eid-El-Fitr salah celebrations. let us imbibe the significance of Ramadan which includes showing love,peace, sacrifice, forgiveness and sharing with one another as well as continues prayers for the growth and development of our dear state plateau .
A profound appreciation to His Excellency governor Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong for demostration of good leadership by providing palliatives to the poorest of the poor in the society in the face of the COVID-19 challenges. I make a clarion call to the well to do in our society to also touch the livesof the needy amongs us. coronavirus is real and we should take care of our health. We should abide by government precautionary measures by washing our hands regularly with soap and running water, avoid hand shake, avoid public places and observe the use of face masks. Lets celebrate with our loved ones at home. Eid Eil Fitr Mubarak
Bbdhh
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