By Nsan Ndoma-Neji, Calabar
To mark the Eid-El-Kabir, to be celebrated by muslims all over the world, from Wenesday next week, former Commissioner for Inter-Givernmental Affairs, in the immediate past administration of former Governor Ben Ayade, Alhaji Adamu Musa Uba, has canvassed for the support of the muslim community in the state to ensure that the brand new administration of Prince Bassey Set Otu succeeds and moves the state to the next pedestal.
Adamu made the call on Friday in CÃ ylabar in a message of good will sent to Governor Otu and Moslem brothers and sisters resident in Cross River State, to mark the Eid-El-Kabir Moslems’festival which symbolises peace, tolerance, patience and unity.
Uba, the first non-indigenous Muslim to be appointed commissioner in Cross River State urged all muslim faithful not to relent in putting their weight behind Otu so that he can succeed in the revival of the socio-economic life of residents of the state.
Charging muslims community in the state to support programmes and policies initiated by the Otu administration, and sending Eid greeting all the Muslims ahead of the Eid-El-Kabir festival, which signifies the end of the hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, Adamu, who called for selflessness, love, unity, forgiveness of one another, peace and sacrifice, canvassed for deep reflection, introspection and focus their attention in support of governor Otu, who we know has capacity to turnaround fortunes of the state and lift Cross River State to an enviable pedestal.
“With Otu, we are sure of economic revival, which he had always been known for right from the period when he served the state as senator; he had always been known for initiating humanitarian programmes.
“He had proven his mettle when he represented the people of Cross River South as senator at the National Assembly. His empowerement programme was second to non.”
Giving an insight of what Eid-El-Kabir festival is all about, Adamu stated that the festival, usually celebrated with prayers offered on the Eid ground, is usually followed by slaughter of goats, sheep and cattle in commemoration of Prophet Abraham’s readiness to sacrifice his son to show obedience to Allah.
“In muslim parlance, it’s most important feast in the Islamic calendar, because it is an occasion where willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son, Isma’il, in submission to Allah’s command.
“In commemoration of this intervention, an animal, usually, a ram, is sacrificed ritually and divided into three parts.
“One share is given to the poor and needy, another is kept for home and the third portion is given to relatives.”
