Sallah: Amosun hailed at praying ground as Abiodun proposes death penalty for kidnappers

There was a drama on Sunday as the Muslim faithful at the Eid ground, Lantoro, Abeokuta hailed the arrival of the former governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun while the arrival of the representatives of the state government were played down.

There was tumultuous crowd to welcome the arrival of Amosun but the story was different for governor Abiodun’s men who were also at the praying ground to observe the annual festival.

But when the former governor arrived at Eid, the Muslim brothers and the residents of Lantoro area started shouting his name and hailing him.

The state government was led by the chief of staff, Salisu Shuib were present at the Eid. He enjoined Muslim brothers and sisters to take note of lesson of the festival.

According to him, we should all emulate Prophet Ibrahim’s patience, perseverance, steadfastness, obedience and commitment as vital ingredients toward the successful implementation of the “Building our Future Together” Agenda.

“Let me assure all our people that our administration remains irrevocably committed to providing focused and qualitative governance that will create an enabling environment for Public-Private Sector Partnership (PPP) including creating  an enduring economic development and individual prosperity for indigenes and non indigenes ”

”Let me enjoin you all to celebrate with moderation. We must all remember that even this celebration is an act of worship to Allah. And, I pray that God accepts all our worship as Ibadah. May He also grant us good rewards in this life and hereafter”.

Meanwhile, Ogun State Government says hard times await kidnappers in the State as government is considering sending a bill that will attract death penalty for kidnappers to the State House of Assembly.

The governor of the state, Prince Dapo Abiodun, according to statement from one of his Media aides, Emmanuel Ojo gave the indication when he played host to Remo League of Imams who paid him a Sallah homage at his Iperu country home.

The governor described kidnapping as economic crime that must be stopped by  all means.

He said most of the kidnappers were foreigners who disguised as herdsmen, saying that it would not augur well if criminals are allowed to operate uncheck as it would affect the State which is regarded as the industrial hub of the nation.

“We do not want criminals to cause problems for us. The state hosts a lot of companies and Industries. It will not augur well to hear that crimes are prevalent in our State.

“I will like to see those who were caught in the recent kidnappings in the State be brought to me. I will warn them because Government will not spare anyone caught in kidnapping henceforth”, he warned.

He called on religious leaders to be committed at ensuring that peace and unity reign in the State and take the issue of security seriously as it is the responsibility of all and sundry.

The Governor acknowledged Eid El Kabir as the first religious celebration since he assumed Office. He  called on adherents of different religion to live in peace with one another as they all worship the same God.

The Chief Imam of Remoland, Sheik Junaid Abdukadiri, said the election of the Governor was a testimony that God is not man and that His will will always be done.

Prayers were said for the State, Nigeria and the success of the present administration.