Monday 2nd May 2022, two rakaat congregational Eid Ftri sallah special prayers were observed peacefully under tight security by joint task force of Nigerian Military, NSCDC, Mopol, SSS and other vigilante CJTF and Hunters seen stationed at strategic locations within and outside the state capital Maiduguri following recent heavy sound and gunshots few days ago at the outskirts of the Maiduguri Metropolis with little restriction of vehicular movements before, during and after the Eid prayers in many locations within Maiduguri, the state capital.
In this year Eid prayer, it was observed that the number of people that attended the Eid fitr prayers were twice if not more than the size of the population last year where hundreds of thousands of muslim faithful converged on various eid grounds across the metropolis to observe the two rakaat special prayers which symbolized the end of the month-long Ramadan fast and first day of the tenth month of Shawwal 1443 AH as well as Eid Ftri sallah festival day.
Visits to El Kanemi Centra Mosque, Bulunkutu Yan No Eid ground and Airport Junction Eid ground Gomari as well as Old Airport Eid Grounds indicated that the special prayers were held peaceful as security men wer seen all over the places while at the Ramat Square Eid ground, the special prayer was led by the Imam Idaini of Borno, Shettima Mamman Saleh with the State Deputy Governor, Hon. Umar Usman Kadafur, immediate past State Governor, Senator Kashim Shettima, former deputy give to Alh. Abubakar Jatau , members of state executive council and other top government functionaries were in attendance.
The usual sermon usually hold immediately after the two rakaat prayers, was delivered by the Imam Idaini of Borno Imam Idaini Shettima Maman Saleh where he urged the muslims to continue with all the virtual deeds that were observed during the month of Ramadan even after th six days Shirts Shawwal that is expected to be started from the third day of the month of Shawwal .
Imam Idaini Saleh further enjoined the Muslim faithfuls to distance themselves from all evil acts even after the month if Ramadan and continue with the good deeds of the month of Ramadan forever in life by trying to be righteous all the times ambiguities are forbidden in Islam and perpetrators would definitely face the anger of God Almighty.
He also called on wealthy individuals and philanthropists to continue to support the less privileged in their midst unnth society through Zakatul Ftri and Sadakatul Jaria ,particularly, in th month of Ramadan and always for Allah’s bounties.
He also dwelt on the benefits and virtues of giving out charity, to the poor or less privileged that is zakatul fitr which is compulsory on every muslim at the end of the fast whether young or old including even babies except the unborn.
The Imam Idaini prayed for lasting peace in the state, region and entire country at large while appreciating the efforts and sacrifices of the security agencies and cautioned strongly politicians to conduct themselves carefully and maturely during the forthcoming general elections to ensure hitch free and fair general in 2023.
Meanwhile, in a sallah message, to the people of Borno on Eid del ftri sallah festival, the State Deputy Governor , Hon.Umar Usman Kadafur thanked God for letting us to witness today and appreciated the cooperation if the people with security agencies and understanding with th state government in improving security situation and alleviating poverty among people across the state.
Kadafur further called on politicians and their supporters not to misuse the opportunity giving to them during the forthcoming general elections hence election is not a do or die affair.
