Don’t panic over US terror alert, says Lagos Assembly speaker

By Olaolu Oladipo, Lagos 

Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa has advised residents not to panic over a warning by the United States of America’s Embassy in Nigeria of a likelihood of militants attack. Reacting to the warning shortly after observing his Eid prayers in Agege, he said the State government has taken pro-active measures to forestall such disturbance. 

Obasa gave this assurance while speaking to newsmen shortly after observing his Eid el-Fitr prayer at Oyewole Primary School, Papa Ashafa, Agege yesterday. 

The US embassy had warned foreign nationals and expatriates to be wary of their stay in Lagos during the Eid el-Fitr celebration, saying there might be attack from insurgents. 

According to the Speaker, “Even though there is no confirmation of that, I want to assure our people that In’sha’Allah, there will be protection of lives and property. People should disregard such threat but be cautious of their safety within their surroundings. 

“People should not panic, but should understand that the government is working. I am sure you can all attest to this. The police should continue to gather intelligence, we have given them the equipment to work with. Our people should not be jittery. 

While responding to a question on the necessity to have harmonious relationship between the Yorubas and Hausas in Agege, the Speaker said there was no cause for alarm as people live together in unison. 

He said, “There is no discrimination among ethnic groups in Agege, we all live together as brothers and sisters. When you go to Papa-Uku or Isale-Oja, the Yorubas and Hausa have inter-marriages, we are all one.” 

Obasa commended the Muslims for their self restraint and self-denial displayed during the Ramadan, adding “my message is that we should continue to imbibe the lessons of Ramadan; we should continue to be kind with our neighbours and be good enough to share what we have with the less privileged.” 

Earlier in his sermon, the Chief Imam, Papa Ashafa Central Mosque, Sheik Alli Sheriffdeen urged Muslim faithful and Nigerian politicians to do good for the peace and prosperity of Nigeria. 

The Imam said that good Muslims should not stop doing good work they did during the month of Ramadan. 

He said, “Let’s continue to do good after the Ramadan. God will ask us how we care for the people with all He puts in your custody. Let Nigerian leaders have the interest of the masses at heart, God is watching and taking records of their leadership. Leaders will be asked how they rule. 

“This world will end one day and all possessions will pass away. God has put you (leaders) there, do good and do not seek praise of men only God reward good, continue to do good.”

The Imam, however said that all the good done by President Muhammadu Buhari, the State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode and Obasa had been seen by Nigerians and Lagos residents. 

He urged Nigerians citizens to follow the directives of their leaders while the leaders obeyed the command of God, urging political leaders to desist from corrupt practices.