Teddy Oscar, Abuja
As Muslims celebrate the Eid-el-Kabir, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) of Nigeria has urged Nigerians, especially the Muslims to submit to God’s will and use the occasion to make amends.
TUC also urged Nigerians to see each other as brothers and sisters, irrespective of one’s religion, adding that is the only way the country can move forward.
While advising Muslims to seize the opportunity to reflect on the challenges facing the country, TUC noted that submitting to the will of Allah is a sure way to overcome the challenges on Nigeria no matter how difficult they may appear.
According to a statement jointly signed by Comrade Bobboi Bala Kaigama and Comrade Musa Lawal, national president and general secretary, respectively, TUC is of the view that Nigerians should go on their knees for the problems facing the country.
“The congress urges all Muslims, politicians and Nigerians to live in accordance with God’s wishes. Eid-el-Kabir reminds us that as a country, we need to be upright and honest.
“We all should understand that our purpose in life here is to live in obedience to the creator’s will. Congress insists that we all must take the advantage that the celebration has provided to pray for the following: the return of peace in the country, an end to disasters like aeroplane crashes, flood and the collapse of buildings,” it said.
TUC accused the Nigerian politicians of breaching one of the most important lessons of sallah celebration.
“The crux of the lessons in sallah celebration lies in the readiness to make sacrifices in the interest of others, willingness to fulfill promises and to implement agreements.
“This celebration, of course, commemorates the obedience of prophet Ibrahim to Allah, despite the serious implications of sacrificing his son. The action became the source of the holy prophet’s blessings.
“This is a big lesson for the leadership of our dear country and politicians, who breach their promises at will. For instance, while campaigning during elections the politicians promise heaven on earth; air-conditioners on our highways; free education, etc., only to often renege when they assume office,” it added.
It cited the closure of universities for almost four months by the Federal Government’s failure to honour the agreements reached with university teachers in 2009.
“The strike, no doubt, has brought untold pain for both students and their parents. This apparent failure of the leadership to lead by example has also been bane of major juvenile delinquency throughout the country,” it noted.
