The Federal Government has declared Monday, March 31st, and Tuesday, April 1st as public holidays to commemorate the Eid-il-Fitr celebration, marking the end of Ramadan. Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, conveyed this declaration on behalf of the government, extending warm felicitations to the Muslim Ummah for the successful completion of their fast. He emphasized the importance of embracing virtues such as self-discipline, compassion, generosity, and peace, advocating for love, forgiveness, and solidarity to foster a harmonious society.

In a statement issued by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, the minister urged Nigerians to use the festive period for prayers that promote peace, stability, and national prosperity. He expressed optimism that the occasion of Eid-il-Fitr would inspire unity and cooperation across religious and ethnic divides. Dr. Tunji-Ojo also encouraged citizens to celebrate safely and responsibly, while extending acts of kindness and charity to the less privileged, in accordance with the spirit of Ramadan and Eid.

Meanwhile, Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Yusuf Abdullahi Ata, has called for peaceful Sallah celebrations in Kano State, despite the ongoing emirship dispute between Aminu Ado Bayero and Muhammadu Sanusi II. Upon his arrival at Aminu Kano International Airport from Saudi Arabia, where he performed Umrah, Ata was greeted by supporters and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC). He reassured the people of Kano of President Bola Tinubu’s dedication to ensuring the security and well-being of all Nigerians, stressing that national security remains a top priority for the administration.

Ata urged the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mal. Nuhu Ribadu, along with key stakeholders and political figures in Kano, to act swiftly to prevent selfish interests from inciting chaos during the Sallah celebration. He cautioned against exploiting the emirship dispute for personal or political gain and affirmed that the federal government would take action to prevent the situation from escalating.

Adding to the concerns, the Kano Concerned Citizens, a non-governmental organization, has alerted Kano residents to a potential unrest during the Sallah festivities, alleging a deliberate plan to incite discord in the state. According to its chairman, Halliru Baba, the conflict is an orchestrated effort to undermine the authority of the state governor for political gains, posing a threat to Kano State, the Northern region, and Nigeria as a whole. He reassured the public that events would proceed peacefully, emphasizing Emir Ado Bayero’s reputation as a humble and peace-loving leader.

Hon. Ata called on the Kano State Government, led by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, to exercise caution and avoid politicizing public safety. The NGO stressed that maintaining peace in Kano is paramount, especially during festive periods like Sallah, which are meant for celebration and unity among citizens.