As Muslims all over the country celebrated Eid-El-Fitr, the Chief Imam of Owerri Central Mosque, Imo State, Eze Abdulfatah Chimaez Emetumah, has urged His Eminence, Sultan Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, to continue his peace and justice advocacy for the good of Nigeria and Nigerians.
Emetumah III, who is also the Traditional Ruler of Umuofor in Oguta LGA of Imo State, made these remarks to newsmen in Owerri on Monday as part of his Eid-El-Fitr message.
He called on ALLAH to continue to safeguard His Eminence, Sa’ad Abubakar, whom he described as a royal harbinger of peace and justice.
According to him, the Sultan of Sokoto and Ameer-ul-Mumineen (Commander of the Faithful) of Muslims in Nigeria is the President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, the apex body of Islamic affairs in Nigeria.
The Chief Imam stated that the Sultan is also the President-General of Jama’atu Nasril Islam, the apex body of Islamic propagation in Nigeria, as well as the Chairman of the Northern Nigeria Council of Traditional Rulers and Chiefs.
He is also the Co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria, adding that he is simple in appearance, unassuming in character, and prefers the title of His Eminence only.
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He said: “Since 2nd November 2006, when he ascended the throne following the death of his brother Muhammad Maccido (Rahimahu’LLAH Ta’ala), he has remained a harbinger of peace, an advocate of justice, equity, love, brotherhood, and harmonious coexistence among Nigerians, irrespective of gender, tribe, religion, or creed.”
He said: “I have observed him in many fora calling on all Nigerians to remember that we have no other country save Nigeria and that it will be in our common good to safeguard it rather than destroy it.”
He recalled that His Eminence has, on several occasions, advised Nigerians to refrain from deriding and raining curses on their leaders because the safety and peace of the leaders also mean the safety and peace of the people.
The Chief Imam described Sa’ad as one who is quick to admonish political and public office holders, reminding them in unequivocal terms that public office is a trust, which demands accountability before the people here on Earth and in the Hereafter before Almighty God, the Creator.
He recalled that the Eze, as a prince, was bestowed with the title of the Grand Imam of Igbo Land in November 1992 by the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero (Rahimahu’LLAH Ta’ala), after he turbaned him as the Chief Imam of Imo Grand Mosque, Umuofor.
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