The Head of the Association of Urhobo Mayoral Family Crown (AUMFC), His Excellency Eshanekpe Israel, popularly known as Akpodoro, who also serves as a prominent ex-militant leader in the Niger Delta region, has extended heartfelt felicitations to Nigerians, particularly the Muslim Ummah, on the occasion of this year’s Eid-el-Fitr. In his message, he emphasized that the holy season offers Muslim faithful a unique opportunity to reconcile with the Almighty Allah, praying that their supplications are answered.
In a statement issued on his arrival in Abuja today to join the Muslim community in their celebrations, Akpodoro described the Holy Month of Ramadan as a deeply symbolic period in the Islamic calendar. He further commended His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto, Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar, for his exceptional leadership in guiding Nigeria’s Muslim community and maintaining peace and tranquility in the country. The Mayor acknowledged the Sultan’s invaluable role in ensuring religious harmony, noting that religious violence had been significantly reduced, thanks to the efforts of the Sultan, the Muslim Ummah, and other key stakeholders.
“I commend our Muslim faithful for their steadfast devotion to Allah, as demonstrated in their prayers, sacrifices, charity, and their unwavering commitment to the peace and unity of our nation,” Akpodoro said. “As we celebrate Eid, I implore our Muslim brothers and sisters to continue embodying the virtues of Ramadan—sustaining their prayers, sacrifices, generosity, and tolerance as taught in the Holy Qur’an and the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).”
He further urged the Muslim community to use this year’s Eid-el-Fitr to pray for the nation’s leaders and to rededicate themselves to the collective goal of achieving sustainable peace, progress, and development for Nigeria.
“The progress and development of our nation hinge on the strength of your faith in Almighty Allah. I call on all Muslims to keep interceding for the nation in their prayers as we hope for a new Nigeria, where peace and unity are our collective heritage,” Akpodoro added.
In the same statement, the Mayor condemned the recent killing of hunters traveling to celebrate Sallah in Uromi, Edo State, and called for the enforcement of a total ban on jungle justice. He stressed that such acts of violence are becoming increasingly prevalent in Nigeria and urged the government to take immediate action to protect innocent lives, emphasizing that the rule of law remains the only alternative.
Akpodoro also took the opportunity to congratulate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his 73rd birthday, praising the President for his remarkable achievements within just two years in office. He pointed out that under President Tinubu’s leadership, Nigeria has witnessed more progress than in the two decades following the military’s exit from governance in 1999.
“Mr. President, your leadership has brought Nigeria out of the woods. You have achieved what others before you could not. In just two years, your administration has shifted the country from fake economic growth to genuine, empirical progress through the Renewed Hope Agenda,” Akpodoro remarked.
On behalf of the entire Urhobo nation, the Mayor congratulated President Tinubu on his birthday and reaffirmed their support for the President, citing the promise of His Royal Majesty, Maj. Gen. Felix Mujakperuo (rtd), CFR, Orhue I, the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, that all Urhobo votes in 2027 will be cast for President Tinubu.
“Congratulations in advance, Mr. President,” Akpodoro concluded.
The Gberegolor-born Mayor of Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State expressed his continued commitment to the peace, unity, and progress of Nigeria, extending his best wishes to all Nigerians, particularly those celebrating Eid-el-Fitr.
