By Olasunkanmi Akoni

It was a mixed feeling among Muslims in Lagos who joined the rest of their fateful worldwide to celebrate 2015 Eid-el-Fitri which marked the end of 30-day fasting. While some had quality time with their family members, others were in prayers and in relaxation spots.

It will be recalled, July 6, 2015, marked exactly three years the frontline Islamic programme presenter on NTA, Alhaji Aremu AbdurRasaq Gawat was declared missing in a controversial circumstance in Lagos. His sudden disappearance has remained a mystery to many, with so many unanswered questions. On that fateful day his vehicle was found on the Eko Bridge without him in the car.

Search parties were immediately, launched to find him alive or recover his body. The length and breadth of Lagos Lagoon belly, was searched all to no avail. It has not been confirmed whether he is dead or alive. Consequently, series of special prayer sessions were organised for the missing ace broadcaster and former staff of NTA, Tejuosho, Yaba, Lagos.

The circumstances that led to the sudden disappearance of Gawat, was described as “mysterious” by many, but with optimism and prayers, the missing TV presenter could be found. However, Muslims in the country have been advised to use the end of the Ramadan period to pray for Gawa’s return as well as work for the unity and peaceful co-existence among the country’s ethnic groups.

Member of the House of Representatives for Oshodi/Isolo Federal Constituency 2, Hakeem Abiodun Muniru; and Mudasiru Obasa, Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly and the Chairman of Odiolowo/Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area, LCDA, Adeyemi Alli, gave the advice in their Sallah messages to Muslims as they mark the end of the Ramadan.

Obasa, who represents Agege State Constituency 1 in the state Assembly, called on Muslims to continue to pray for Nigeria.

“I want to wish Muslims in the country happy Eid-el-Fitri celebration and I pray that we witness more of such celebrations in our lifetime. However, while celebrating, I want to advise that we should not forget to continue to say and do things that will continue to enhance the unity of this country. We are at a critical period of our political life and we should continue to promote the unity of the country through our utterances and actions,” Obasa said.

Why wondering on what could have led to the sudden disappearance of a man considered to be peace loving and quiet, the lawmakers prayed for his safe return even as they urged Nigerians, especially, Muslims not to relent in their prayers for the missing presenter and his family.

Low key celebration

Celebration of the Eid-el-Fitri across the Lagos metropolis was largely low-key as Muslims marked the end of the Ramadan Holy month. Reports from some relaxation centres revealed that the usual traffic of fun seekers to places like beaches, cinemas and fun joints dropped unlike in the past. Most of the roads were practically free of traffic. The ever-busy Oshodi-Apapa Expressway was also devoid of the usual gridlock.

Some of the respondents who spoke with our correspondent blamed the seemingly low turn out to the economic reality as well as the need to take time off the hustle and bustle of daily life in Lagos. The beaches were also deserted. Some of the touts at the beaches complained of low patronage.

Also some of the Bus Rapid Transit, BRT and LAGBUS which were provided by Lagos State Government to carry passengers free of charge on Sallah day, had their buses empty as there were no much passengers on the road. At press time, there was no report of any serious causality as against the yearly occurrence during the same celebration.

Ambode hosts Muslims

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, accompanied by his wife, Bolanle in a cheer demonstration of sense of belonging, joined Muslim faithful to mark the Eid-El-Fitri celebration at a reception held at the Lagos House, Alausa. The governor, at the feast, urged them to imbibe the tenets of the season and ensure it reflects in their daily activities.

“Let me use this medium to felicitate with our Muslim brothers and sisters on the completion of the year 2015 Ramadan. Ramadan has come and gone, but the lessons of the month remain and we should as worshipers sustain them in our everyday activities. “Let us put to use the lessons of Ramadan, which essentially is that of peace. Let us remain peaceful and eschew vices by remaining steadfast in our journey to make Lagos state a better place for all of us”.

“We may differ in tongue and faith, but we all remain equal before our creator, the owner of heaven and earth”. “It is my fervent prayer that the Almighty will continue to increase us in wisdom, health and wealth. May we witness many more celebrations.”

Earlier, the First Lady expressed her appreciation for the support given to the present administration so far, just as she appealed for more cordial relationship in the state. “While I enjoin you all to feel relax and enjoin yourselves, please remember to continue to pray for peace, tranquility and prosperity of the state”.