Gov. Hope Uzodimma of Imo and his Abia counterpart, Gov. Alex Otti, have called for religious tolerance between the Muslim and Christian faithful in the country as the Muslim Community worldwide celebrates this year’s Eid-el Kabir.
Uzodimma said: “love, unity, peace, growth, development and more, will be guaranteed in the country, if members of the Muslim and Christian community decide to cohabit, not just in Imo but elsewhere in Nigeria.”
He spoke when he played host to the Muslim leaders in Imo at the Banquet Hall of the Government House, Owerri on Sunday.
He congratulated the Muslim faithful for successfully completing their fasting and the privilege of being alive to witness the 2024 Festival of Sacrifice (Eid-el Kabir).
The governor urged the faithful to “wear tolerance like a cloth.
“Your faiths are simply means of getting to your destination, which is God.
“We cannot grow in an atmosphere of rancour, hatred, killing, blood-letting, armed robbery and other vices, which both the Koran and Bible condemn.
“Tolerance is the name of the business, and with it, inclusive growth and development will be achieved,” he said.
Addressing some Christian faithful, who joined in the celebration, Uzodimma thanked them for the showing solidarity to their Muslim brothers and sisters at the “common communion”.
He said: “If you can eat together, it means you can live together, work together and even protect your environment together.
“It is now time we interrogated our consciences and do those things that please God,” he further said.
The governor used the occasion to congratulate fathers in the state on the occasion of this year’s International Father’s Day celebration.
He said that their support to his government in building a virile society could not be discountenanced.
“We recognise your sacrifices and contributions, which inspire us to strive for a better society and I pray for abundant blessings upon you and your families,” he said.
Earlier, the leadership of the Muslim Community in the state, Alhaji Bashir Uwakwe, assured the governor that they would remain united in all their endeavours.
Uwakwe thanked the governor for deeming it necessary, again, to fete them in the Government House, describing the gesture as “unquantifiable show of love to us and our faith.”
He promised that they would continue to be of good behaviour and to make positive impact in the state.
He appealed to the governor to ensure that more Muslim faithful got the opportunity to be part of next year’s Hajj.
In a related development, the Abia governor called on residents of the state to imbibe the spirit of the Eid-el Kabir by being their brothers’ keepers.
He made the call in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Kazie Uko, and made available to newsmen in Umuahia on Sunday.
He was quoted to have said that the celebration “also promotes love and understanding among individuals, regardless of their diverse cultures, backgrounds and beliefs”.
Otti further said that the celebration upholds the act of sacrifice and selfless service in obedience to Allah’s will.
“This was exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim’s unwavering readiness to sacrifice his son in accordance with Allah’s command,” he was reported as saying.
The governor also described the event as significant in the Islamic calendar and urged the Muslim faithful to emulate Prophet Ibrahim, who demonstrated complete loyalty and trust in his relationship with Allah.
“As the world celebrates this important festival, I enjoin all Muslim faithful across the state to emulate Prophet Ibrahim for his faithful devotion to duty and the will of Allah,” he said.
According to him, the Prophet was willing to offer his only son as a sacrifice for the good of all without questioning.
“I acknowledge the values of selflessness, kindness, and devotion that are at the heart of Eid-el Kabir and pray that this special period will bring us peace, happiness and unity.
“On behalf of the Government and good citizens of our dear state, I extend our warmest greetings to our Muslim brothers and sisters in the state and around the country,” he added.
He promised that the State Government would continue to create equal opportunities and the necessary conducive environment for citizens to live and conduct their businesses.
“We, therefore, call for the continued support and cooperation of every resident in Abia,” Otti said.
(NAN)
By Ihechinyere Chigemeri-Uwom/ Peter Okolie
