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Sacrifice, Unity: Sultan Warns Political Leaders Over Extravagant Lifestyles
The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, urges Nigerian leaders, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to prioritize the well-being of ordinary Nigerians over extravagant lifestyles.
The leader of Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) and Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar (III) has called upon the country’s political leaders to abandon their lavish lifestyles and focus on improving the living conditions of ordinary citizens.
Recognizing the numerous challenges faced by Nigeria, the Sultan implored President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other new leaders to swiftly implement policies that would alleviate the hardships faced by the Nigerian masses.
The JNI, through its Secretary General, Prof. Khalid Abubakar Aliyu, expressed deep concern over the persistently deteriorating conditions endured by the average Nigerian due to extreme poverty and high inflation. The statement emphasized the need for leaders at all levels to acknowledge the trust bestowed upon them by both Allah and humanity, as they will be held accountable for their actions on the Day of Judgement.
Highlighting the significant festival of Eid-ul-Adha, celebrated worldwide by Muslims to commemorate the devotion and obedience of Prophet Ibrahim (A.S) to Allah’s command, as well as his unwavering faith and willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail (A.S), the JNI emphasized the values of sacrifice, compassion, and unity that lie at the core of Islam. As families and loved ones gather to observe Eid, the occasion serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of selflessness and generosity.
President Bola Tinubu’s Call For Sacrifice And Unity
President Bola Tinubu, in Lagos, urged Nigerians to maintain unwavering faith in God, believing that the nation will ultimately experience peace, stability, and prosperity. Following the Eid-ul-Adha prayers at Dodan Barracks prayer ground, President Tinubu stressed the necessity of unity and cooperation among Nigerians, urging them to transcend ethnic and religious rivalries.
Affirming that Allah does not burden a nation with challenges it cannot bear, the President expressed gratitude for good health and offered prayers for robust health and prosperity. He firmly stated that sacrifices must be made, with the conviction that Allah would guide and support the country in its endeavors. He emphasized the importance of faith in the nation and its citizens, urging all to work together to build a united and prosperous Nigeria.
In his address, President Tinubu also extended prayers to the Nigerian troops fighting against insurgency, expressing the collective desire for their victory. The Eid prayer, led by the Chief Imam of Lagos State, Sheikh Sulaiman Oluwatoyin Abu-Nolah, was followed by the symbolic slaughtering of a ram in homage to Prophet Ibrahim’s noble act of unwavering obedience to Allah’s command.
Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat’s Call For Unity Behind President Tinubu
Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, representing Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, conveyed warm wishes to Muslims across Nigeria and the state on the occasion of Eid-ul-Adha. He urged the Muslim community to rally behind President Tinubu in his determined efforts to improve the nation.
Hamzat emphasized the importance of praying for the leaders, particularly President Tinubu, in their pursuit of success. Recognizing the duty to uphold unity and progress, he called upon all Nigerians to embrace a spirit of unity and cooperation, setting aside religious and tribal identities for the collective betterment of the country. The Deputy Governor emphasized that it is through prayer, support, and a shared vision that Nigeria will thrive and achieve prosperity.
The Eid prayer ceremony was attended by esteemed dignitaries, including the Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, former Governor of Lagos State and former Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, and the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, among other notable government officials and prominent politicians.
Vice President Kashim Shettima’s Message Of Sacrifice And Unity
Vice President Kashim Shettima, in his message commemorating this year’s celebrations, called upon Nigerians to embrace the virtues of sacrifice and forgiveness. Observing the Eid prayers at the National Eid ground in Abuja, alongside Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, and Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, the Vice President highlighted the significance of this sacred day, reflecting upon the mercy of Allah as exemplified through the blessings bestowed upon Prophet Abraham and his son, Prophet Isma’il.
Vice President Shettima emphasized the importance of unity and progress, urging Nigerians to pray for the nation’s unity and advancement. He recognized that through sacrifice, forgiveness, and a collective commitment to national development, Nigeria can overcome its challenges and forge a prosperous future.
Embracing Sacrifice And Unity For A Better Nigeria
As Nigeria celebrates Eid-ul-Adha, the calls for sacrifice and unity resonate strongly. The leaders of the nation, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, have urged fellow citizens to prioritize the well-being of ordinary Nigerians over extravagant lifestyles. By cutting back on lavish excesses and implementing policies that uplift the common Nigerian, the leaders can contribute to improving the lives of the people they serve.
Eid-ul-Adha serves as a poignant reminder of the values that form the foundation of Islam – sacrifice, compassion, and unity. As families and loved ones come together to observe this auspicious occasion, it is an opportunity to reflect on the importance of selflessness and generosity towards one another.
In order to build a prosperous and harmonious nation, Nigerians must set aside religious and tribal differences, coming together in joy and prosperity. Through collective effort, prayers, and a shared vision for the future, Nigeria can overcome its challenges and witness peace, stability, and progress.
United In Sacrifice, United In Prosperity
The Eid-ul-Adha celebrations have provided a platform for Nigerian leaders and citizens to reaffirm their commitment to sacrifice, unity, and the betterment of the nation. From the passionate call of Sultan Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar for leaders to shed their extravagant lifestyles to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s appeal for faith, unity, and cooperation, the collective voice echoes the importance of prioritizing the welfare of ordinary Nigerians.
As the nation moves forward, it is crucial for all Nigerians to join hands, transcending ethnic, religious, and tribal boundaries, and work towards building a united and prosperous Nigeria. Through sacrifice, compassion, and a shared sense of purpose, the challenges that lie ahead can be overcome, paving the way for peace, stability, and prosperity for all Nigerians.
Amid the recall process initiated against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the Arewa Youths Progressives Assembly has told both the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and the police that Nigerians are keenly watching their actions.
This came amid viral video of some politicians in the Kogi State mass-signing signatures purported to be that of the Senator’s constituents.
It was gathered that the Senator has already petitioned the police over the development.
However, addressing journalists on Tuesday, the National President of Arewa Youths Progressives Assembly, Shuaibu Usman, accused the INEC of always compromising the electoral process in Kogi State.
Usman, who recalled how results of the last governorship election in the state emerged even before the exercise commenced, urged the commission to redeem itself.
He said, “Kogi parades as a worst example when it comes to INEC conduct of election in Nigeria. We have not forgotten how many credible organisations, including Yiaga Africa, raised the alarm of the electoral heist that went on during the last guber election in that state.
“So, INEC has been notorious for providing a thriving ground for politicians in Kogi State to mess up the country’s electoral system.
“The same people are at it again, this time hiding under the guise of a recall process against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. With their Kogi magic, they quickly manufactured over 250,000 signatures, whereas the entire voters during the main election stood at 120,000.
“One need not be a suitsayer to know that these are the same elements who are known to be chronic election riggers, with INEC as their enablers.
“However, we must caution the INEC that this should not be business as usual; this is beyond Kogi State, so Nigerians are watching.
“We were taken aback when the INEC after announcing that the petition did not meet its requirements, returned a day after to tell Nigerians that the same petitioners have met the requirements- what a quick fix!
“The INEC must not kowtow to the whims and caprices of desperate political elements in Kogi State, as this will be resisted by Nigerians.”
Similarly, the apex Igbo group also urged the police to ensure that all those in forging the signatures of Senator Natasha’s constituents were brought to book.
According to the group, the viral videos showed known faces in Kogi State, wondering why the police were yet to effect any arrest.
“By now, we had expected that some of the perpetrators should be cooling their heels in custody or having their days in court, but it is yet to happen.
“There should be no room for compromise, the culprits, no matter how highly placed, should be identified, arrested and prosecuted.
“We urge that the police should engage forensic experts to analyze those signatures before the INEC takes any further step in the said petition,” Usman further stated.
Apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC), to halt what it called unjust persecution of socialite, Aisha Sulaiman Achimugu, OFR
This is also as the group faulted the manner of the raid carried out by the commission on the socialite’s residential house in Abuja.
It could be recalled that a video went viral, which showed officials of the commission, reportedly in the family home of the Achimugus.
This came after she was declared wanted by the EFCC.
Her 80-year-old mother was also said to have been forced to sit on the bare floor, tortured and refused to give her water when she pleaded for it
In a statement made available to journalists on Sunday, the National President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike, described the action of the EFCC for declaring the national honour’s recipient wanted barely some days after she was invited by the commission as gross
Okwu said enquiry by the Igbo group showed that some days after Achimugu was informed of the invitation by her lawyer, the commission rushed to the media declaring her wanted even when their letter in the public domain stated that everything accused her of is ALLEGEDLY and she is presently not in the country
“This development clearly smarks of a premeditated agenda to embarrass and discredit her personality. What else could justify the haste for an alleged crime to warrant being declared wanted just some days after she was invited by the commission?
“Mrs Achimugu is a global figure, not a politician and a national honours recipient, as well as a recipient of the US President’s award. This calibre of a person can never go under hiding.
“The fact that she is currently out of the country when the EFCC extended an invitation to her does not warrant their hasty declaration on alleged case without a competent court sanctioning such action.
“This is utterly reprehensible, and we urge that the EFCC should not continue to be used as a tool for political witch-hunting.
“Mrs Achimugu is an established, decent, and well to do businesswoman who respects the laws and humanity and from a respected family. Her source of wealth has never been a source of controversy or hidden.
“We want to declare that her rights should be respected; her contributions to the growth of citizens and the nation should not be ignored. The EFCC should withdraw the wanted tag on her.
While quoting Section 7 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act and Section 36 of the Nigerian Police Act, the Youth President said the relevant laws prohibit arrest by proxy.
He said, “the reported invitation and declaration of Mrs. Achimugu is unlawful and a gross violation of the provisions of Nigeria’s relevant laws. We had waited to see whether the commission would make a turn, but its silence means that they are bent on tarnishing her image for someone who is private and law abiding.
“This is worrisome and should be condemned in all totality. There is no justification for their actions. This is a gross illegality.
“We recall that the EFCC did announce that it would stop this kind of raid, but it appears that nothing has changed. This crude method of arrest defies all logic and legality.
“All these go to show that there is more to this than meets the eye. It is albeit political is pure harassment to satisfy certain interests.
“Having said this, we urge the Chairman of the EFCC, who pledged before now to reform the commission, to direct the operatives to act right and let the law take it due course without further delay or embarrassment”
A business woman, Joy Smart-Chinenye, has revealed how she was arrested, brutalized, tortured, and detained by monitoring unit personnel of the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters, based on a petition filed by her husband, George Obinna Smart Unaegbu, over alleged debt to him.
The incident which took place on Sunday (Mothers Day) was said to have elicited a serious drama, wild condemnation and is already causing ripples among the police hierarchy.
Her explanation was contained in a statement released by her lawyer, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, titled, “Betrayed, Tortured, and Extorted – My Husband’s Cruelty Knows No Bounds”, obtained by journalists in Abuja.
Ejiofor, also lawyer to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), had in his reaction to the police brutality, described the action of the police as unconstitutional.
According to him, Section 4 of the Nigeria Police Act clearly outlines the duties of the NPF, making no provision for debt recovery.
Joy Smart-Chinenye said, “As I write this, I am in severe agony, tears, and unbearable pain.
While mothers across the world celebrated Mothering Sunday, my own husband, the man I once loved and supported, threw me into Abattoir-SARS detention in Abuja – a facility notorious for holding condemned criminals, kidnappers, and terrorists.
“This is the same man I met when he was just a classroom teacher. I stood by him, fed him, supported him financially, and watched as God elevated him to a multi-billionaire. But how did he repay me? By having me brutalized, arrested, and locked away in one of the most dreaded cells in the country.
“Despite my unwavering fidelity and loyalty throughout our marriage, he has slept with both single and married women, exposing me to multiple infections. I have endured humiliation and betrayal in silence, keeping our marital issues out of the public eye, yet he continues to find ways to destroy me.
“This time, his weapon was the Nigeria Police Force. He manipulated them into arresting me over an alleged debt – a personal, civil matter that should have been settled in court, not through police brutality. On March 27, 2025, officers stormed our home, forcibly took me away in front of our children, and detained me at FCID Annex, Panti, Lagos, where I was tortured and coerced into transferring ₦5 million to an account they provided.
“When I could not meet his remaining demands, I was forcefully transported to Abuja, where I was detained at Abattoir, enduring further abuse, torture and extortion.
“I was repeatedly taken from the SARS detention cell at night to unknown locations, where I was subjected to intense coercion and intimidation. These harrowing experiences continued until the timely intervention of Barrister Ifeanyi Ejiofor ( I. C. Ejiofor Chambers), whose relentless legal efforts finally secured my release in the wee hours of last night. But the scars – both physical and emotional – remain.
“I can no longer stay silent. In due course, I will grant a press release and expose the full truth about Obinna George Smart Unaegbu. The world deserves to know.”