Minna — Muslims in the Suleja Emirate and southern part of Nigeria will celebrate their own Eid-el-Kabir (Sallah) today in defiance of the Sultan of Sokoto, Saa'ad Abubakar 111, whose directive most Muslims in the North followed and engaged in the festivities on Sunday.

The decision to counter the instruction was taken by Islamic clerics in the Suleja Emirate Council.

Holding the Sallah on Sunday, coinciding with the day Muslims climbed Mount Arafat in Saudi Arabia, was first done in Nigeria in 1995 during the Sani Abacha administration, which attracted a lot of criticism from the Muslim clergy.

But this is the first time the Suleja Emirate would disagree with the Sultan, who is the head of Nigeria's Islamic affairs.

No official explanation was given for the decision.

However, a civil servant in Suleja, Umar Isa, said "we have to obey our Imams and leaders on the day for the Sallah celebration. We are preparing for the celebration tomorrow (today)."

Despite the dispute, Senate President, David Mark, enjoined Nigerians to emulate the teachings of Prophet Mohammed on good neighbourliness, sacrifice, tolerance, love, and charity to one another.

He urged religious leaders to admonish their followers on the true faith of worship for salvation and service to humanity, recalling the avoidable mayhem in Jos which he condemned as barbaric.

House of Representatives Speaker, Dimeji Bankole, also counselled fellow Nigerians to imbibe the spirit of sacrifice, obedience and perseverance as they celebrate the Eid-el-Kabir.

He condemned the politics of violence and intolerance and urged them to be one another's keeper.

Bankole also expressed regret over the clashes in Jos.

Delta State Governor, Emmanuel Uduaghan, commiserated with families of the victims of the riots and called on religious leaders to preach restraint and religious tolerance.

His counterpart in Kwara State, Bukola Saraki, urged Muslims to step up their spiritual devotion and rededicate themselves to the injunctions of love and perseverance, as exhibited by Mohammed.

Niger State Governor, Babangida Aliyu, challenged them to adhere strictly to Islamic teachings and to live peacefully with all, irrespective of religious, political, and tribal affiliations.

Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Sikiru Lawal, advised Muslims all over the world to show humility; the Emir of Gwandu in Kebbi State, Muhammadu Illiyasu Bashir, told them to embrace peace.

Former Head of State, Ibrahim Babangida, urged them to imbibe the lessons of the Sallah celebration which include humility, piety and selfless service to the nation.