Eid al-Adha: National Deputy Director General of MACBAN Urges Forgiveness for National Unity, Progress

The National Deputy Director General of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) and Sarkin Fulani of Awka, Anambra State, Alhaji Gidado Siddiki, has called on Nigerians to embrace the deeper values of Eid al-Adha ,forgiveness, empathy, and selflessness as a means to foster national unity and sustainable development.

In his Sallah message, Alhaji Siddiki urged citizens to let go of past grievances and painful memories, and instead choose reconciliation and peace as a national ethos.

“Two wrongs can never make a right,” he said, emphasizing that peace and sustainable coexistence are only achievable through mutual understanding and the courage to forgive.

Full Statement reads:“As Muslims across the world commemorate Eid al-Adha—a sacred festival honoring the profound faith of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and God’s merciful intervention—I extend heartfelt greetings to all Nigerians, especially members of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN).This holy occasion, grounded in sacrifice, obedience, and devotion, offers a time for spiritual reflection and moral recommitment. I call on all Nigerians to internalize the deeper meaning of Eid al-Adha: forgiveness, empathy, and selflessness. Let us cast aside the burdens of past grievances and choose the path of reconciliation and national unity. Two wrongs can never make a right; lasting peace and coexistence demand mutual respect and the will to forgive.I particularly urge our members in the South East to continue nurturing peaceful and respectful relationships with their host communities. Avoid any actions that could threaten the harmony we have worked so hard to build over the years.I encourage all pastoralists to report any challenges, grievances, or traumatic incidents to their local leadership. Our leaders are best positioned to escalate such matters to the appropriate authorities to seek redress through lawful and civil channels. Taking the law into one’s own hands is never justified. Due process and constructive dialogue remain our most reliable tools for achieving justice and lasting peace.Furthermore, I strongly reject the prevailing narrative that unfairly associates pastoralists with criminal activity. This stereotype is both unjust and dangerous. Criminality knows no ethnic, religious, or professional boundaries. We must resist all forms of stigmatization and uphold the principle that justice must be individual, not collective.I call upon all tiers of government—federal, state, and local—to fulfill their constitutional responsibilities by protecting the lives and property of all citizens, including those in pastoral communities. Security, inclusivity, and equal protection under the law must be guaranteed for every Nigerian, without exception.To our members in Anambra State, I strongly encourage you to obtain and protect your Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) ahead of the November 2025 elections. Civic participation is vital in electing leaders who understand and are committed to defending our rights and interests.Lastly, I extend my sincere appreciation to the governments and people of the South East for their continued hospitality, and for enabling our members to conduct their legitimate cattle breeding and trade peacefully across the region.I urge the government to actively promote inclusivity in governance and national development. Every community—regardless of ethnicity, region, or profession—deserves fair and equitable access to the dividends of democracy.”