By Mumini Abdulkareem
Muslims in their thousands troop out on Tuesday in Ilorin to celebrate this year’s Eid-ul-Kabir, the festival of sacrifice held every 10th day of Dhul Hijja, the 12 month in the Islamic lunar calendar.
The event which was held under a very peaceful atmosphere across the state saw worshippers arrive the eid ground as early as 6;30 am.
Security agencies which include the Police, Civil Defence, KWARTMA and the Road Safety among other security agencies were seen controlling traffic in most of the strategic spots leading to the central Eid prayer ground along Irewolede, Ilorin.
There was the usual traffic logjam in most of the roads that led to the venue resulting into some of the worshipers trekking long distances to catch up with the two unit supererogatory prayer that is associated with the ceremony which started around some minutes to 10:00am.
In his sermon, the Imam Imale of Ilorin, Shiekh Abdullahi AbdulHameed who stood in for the chief Imam led thousands of other Muslim faithful in prayer to commemorate the event.
The cleric reminded the adherents of the significance of the Islamic festivities, which include fulfillment of promise, piety, sacrifice, devotion and being submissive to the dos and don’ts in Islam.
According to him, the people should pray for the peace and progress of the state and the country in general and urged them to imbibe and reflect the lessons of the period to make the community a better place.
“Be pious and observe the teachings of the holy Qur’an in you undertakings” he added before he slaughtered a ram at the central Eid ground.
On the political ambition of the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, Imam described him as” our beloved and great son” and prayed Allah to further elevate him in his political career.
“We are very proud of Dr Bukola Saraki’s achievements as the Senate President. We are delighted about verified claims which said the achievements of the eighth Senate under the leadership of our son surpassed what was achieved by the previous senates,” Sheikh AbdulHameed declared.
Immediately after the prayer session, the shout of “Olooyeee, Waziri Ngeri, no Saraki, no Nigeria” rented the air.
The security operatives had an hectic time trying to control the surging crowd, with everyone trying to catch a glimpse of the Senate President.
The elated Saraki later stood up from the roof of his car to acknowledge cheers from the crowd.
It took about 30 minutes before the convoy of the Senate President could leave the Eid praying ground.
Saraki had arrived Ilorin Eid praying ground at about 8. 55 P.M and waited patiently till 9.33 A.M when the prayer commenced.
The President of the Senate was accompanied to the praying ground by a former Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Abubakar Kawu Baraje, Speaker, Kwara State House of Assembly, Dr Ali Ahmad and former minister of Youths and Sports, Malam Bolaji Abdullahi among others.
Saraki’s political profile has continued to soar since the Supreme Court’s verdict that discharged and acquitted him of allegations of false assets declaration by the federal government.
In commemoration of the supreme court’s verdict, the Emir of Ilorin, Alh Ibrahim Sulu- Gambari named Saraki as Wazirin Ilorin ( prime minister).
