Picture: Dr Suleiman Habib, Chief Imam, Makurdi Central Mosque speaking with journalists
By Amos Aar, Makurdi
THE Chief Imam, Central Mosque, Makurdi, Dr Suleiman Habib, has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to construct roads, build schools and provide electricity in Benue to enable the people feel a sense of belonging.
The Chief Imam made the call during his Sallah message while interacting with newsmen at his residence shortly after Eid-el-Kabir prayers. “We know that things are tough and we wish President Muhammadu Buhari good health to be able to continue with the good work he is doing. Let us see more federal presence in Benue State. To the best of my knowledge, I can recall only one, the new university in Otukpo. Let them remember that people are down here,” the Chief Imam stated.
Dr Habib thanked Benue State Governor, Dr Samuel Ortom, for being responsive to the yearnings of both Muslims and Christians in the state.
“Ortom is our father and a man of God. When there was lockdown, we and our Christian Brethren appealed to him that Churches and Mosques be opened, he listened to us and did that. So, we always pray for him and I am so happy, he is somebody who can quote scriptures like he has been a pastor. About two days ago, he sent Sallah message to all of us here in Benue and all over the world and we appreciate him for that. He is our pillar, supporter and a leader, so we wish him well, may he finish his tenure successfully,” Dr Habib said.
Speaking on the decision of the Sultan of Sokoto and the Benue State Government that the Sallah prayers be held in Mosques instead of open prayer grounds to ensure social distance, the Chief Imam described the decision as an “area of controversy” because it would have been easier to maintain social distance in open places than in Mosques.
Dr Habib urged Muslims and Christians alike to be peaceful, pray ceaselessly and share with one another in love.
