Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria, MMPN, has reiterated its call on the Federal government to declare Muharram 1, the first day of the Islamic Hijrah Calendar 1443 A.H, as a public holiday.
This is contained in a statement in Abuja by the National President of MMPN, Alhaji Abdur-Rahman Balogun to commemorate the new Islamic year.
He said such a declaration of national holiday to mark the new Islamic year would be in the interest of fairness as benefitted by the Christian brethren on every January 1.
Alhaji Balogun called on the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, NSCIA, to enter into dialogue with the Federal Government to ensure that Muharram first which is the right of Muslims is observed on the issue.
He, however, commended state governors who had declared public holiday for Islamic New Year especially in the Northern part of the country as well as Oyo and Osun states in South West, urging others to emulate their colleagues.
Alhaji Balogun implored government at various levels to recognise the Hijrah calendar and use it side by side with the Gregorian calendar in line with the country status as a multi-religious state.
He congratulated Muslims and non-Muslims alike for witnessing another new Islamic year and urged them to reflect on their deeds and activities during the past year.
The MMPN President enjoined Muslims to use the opportunity of the New Year to migrate from their evil ways in the past to renew their commitments in the New Year and pray to Allah to end the scourge of Covid-19 pandemic which has ravaged the world and insecurity challenges in Nigeria.
He implored Muslims to rededicate themselves to the cause of building an egalitarian society and join hands with other Nigerians in moving the nation forward.
Alhaji Balogun described series of attacks on innocent Nigerians by some insurgency groups as un-Islamic and pleaded with the concerned groups to cease fire and stop violence as a demonstration of its readiness to embrace peace.
He equally called for a stringent legislation against rapists in the country, saying it was getting too rampant because most culprits usually get away with it.
Ridwan Fasasi
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