Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
The Muslim Community in Anambra State has praised the Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi, for what they described as his unwavering support to the Community from his days as the Governor of Anambra State till now.
The community made the remark at Central Mosque, Onitsha, when they played host to Obi who was in Onitsha to celebrate with the them as they marked the Sallah holiday on Sunday.
Chief Imam of Onitsha Central Mosque, Alhaji Abdulraman Imam, said Obi remained the only governor in the state, who visited members of the Muslim community at every celebration to felicitate with them.
“This mosque was rebuilt by you when it was demolished years back. You visited us in the Army barracks when we had a problem then. All the years you were governor, you always visited us during celebrations like this, so you are not new to us.
“For the eight years you were governor, you sponsored a lot of our members to Mecca. You did all these, even though you are a Christian. That is why we say we are with you, even as a Christian,” he said.
Also, the secretary and spokesperson of the Hausa Community in Onitsha, Barr Mahmud Imam, while conveying the declaration of the community to Obi stated that it has decided to support Obi, and would continue to pray that he triumphs and leads Nigeria because his capacity to lead is not in doubt.
“We know what you are capable of, you did it here while you were governor. We (the Hausa community) are the highest registered voters in Odoakpu Ward 4 here, and we voted for you, and we have no regret about that.
“We saw you during campaigns, visiting interior parts of the North, places that presidential candidates that are of northern extraction feared to go to. We are happy that you represented very well, and you vindicated us, through the messages we always sent back to our people that you were the best for the position,” he said.
In his speech, Obi appreciated the Muslim Community for their welcome. He explained that his visit to the Community was to celebrate the Eid el Fitr with them as he has always done. He also promised to continue to support the Muslims in the state and any part of the country, in any way he could.
Reiterating the need for Nigerians to love and appreciate one another, Obi stated that every Nigerian should be free to live and thrive in any part of the country without intimidation or harassment.
“I am a Nigerian who believes in Nigeria. My ADC when I was Governor, Idris, is a Northerner from Kano State, and he is a good man. I have never discriminated against anyone based on religion or tribe, and I will never do that. I want the whole nation to hold me accountable on this. I will never discriminate against anybody. I will continue to support you especially in areas of education, health and your worship. Please disregard anyone who tells you that I do not like the Northerners. I love every Nigerian,” Obi said.
