Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has urged Muslims to embrace peace and tolerance for peaceful coexistence with their neighbours.
Otti also preached tolerance among Nigerians as Muslims celebrate this year’s Eid-El-Fitr.
The Governor spoke on Monday at his Nvosi country home while receiving members of the Muslim community who paid him Sallah homage.
He said that his administration does not discriminate along religious, gender or tribal lines, maintaining that it is lack of understanding that leads to discriminations.
“I think it is lack of understanding that makes people begin to kill each other and to discriminate. If we understand clearly that God created us equally, then some of the problems we are seeing, we won’t see them.
“So, if you discriminate, you will shortchange yourself. You will make it difficult for you to reap the full benefits that was deposited in every human being.
“That is why our administration does not discriminate. I am sure you are aware that our Head of Service is from Edo State.
“We have literally abolished state of origin here. So, if you live here and you are a good citizen of the country and you pay your taxes here and contribute to the development here, you are from here,” Gov. Otti stated.
Governor Otti used the opportunity to announce that, Ohanku road, Aba, which is being reconstructed, would be completed by the end of April. He added that the road is being done with cement pavement technology to ensure durability.
On the request of the Muslim Community to retrieve their cemetery in Umuahia, which the certificate of occupancy was revoked by the previous administration, the Governor assured that his Government would investigate and find out what the issue was with a view to resolving it.
The Governor, congratulated the Muslim Ummah on the completion of their Ramadan fast, noting that the event falls within the lent period of the Christian community. He commended the Muslim community for the support they gave him, before, during and after the 2023 general election in Abia State.
Addressing the Muslim community, a former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Azubuike Ihejirika, while congratulating them on this year’s Eid El Fitr, noted that it is only through religious and ethnic tolerance that peace, security and unity can be achieved.
In his speech, the Chief Imam of Abia State, Sheikh Ali Ukiwo, explained that the Sallah celebration marks the end of the 30 days of praying and fasting in the Islamic calendar, noting that they used the period to pray for the continued peace and security of the State as well as the success of Governor Alex Otti’s administration.
Sheikh Ukiwo while thanking God for using Governor Otti to restore the hope of Abians also thanked him for sponsoring their trip to Saudi Arabia for this year’s Hajj.
In their remarks, the Sarki Hausa, Umuahia and the Chairman South-South, South-East Traditional Rulers Council, Sarki Yaro Danladi; and his Aba Community counterpart, Sarki Shehu Bello; while appreciating the Governor for his infrastructural revolution in Aba and other parts of the State called for efforts towards decongesting Aba growing commercial activities.
