Chairman, Imo State Council of Elders and the Obi of Obinugwu kingdom, Cletus Ilomuanya, has called on Nigerians of different religious faiths, to always seek peace and unity of the country in their endeavours or dealings with one another.
He said there was no better alternative to peace, pointing out that in the absence of peace, no meaningful achievement can be attained.
Ilomuanya made the call, at the weekend, in Owerri, Imo State, when he received in audience, a group, under the aegis of Muslim Elders of Imo State. The group comprises Nigerians of different ethnic persuasions who are Muslims.
The monarch, who is also the chancellor, Federal University Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, urged the group to emulate Governor Hope Uzodimma’s approach to peaceful resolution of issues. This, he said, has made the governor a nationalist, patriot and statesman, whom the Federal Government readily finds worthy to handle matters of national importance.
He commended the Muslim group for their peaceful approach while searching for a solution to the issues confronting them. He gave an assurance that he will convey to the governor the grievances of the group regarding how last year’s pilgrimage was muddled up to the disadvantage of the majority of members of the Muslim community in the state by the person saddled with the responsibility of ensuring the governor’s goodwill is carried out seamlessly.
“I will carry your appeal to the governor. Your message will be delivered. I believe it is the pilgrimage board that should handle pilgrimage issues and not an individual. I would not want the love and goodwill of the governor to the Muslim community in Imo State to be thwarted by anybody for selfish interests,” Ilomuanya said.
Earlier, leader of the Muslim group and Grand Imam of Igboland, A.F.C Emetumah, expressed the gratitude of the Muslim community in Imo State to Governor Uzodimma for his love and generosity to them. He said in the history of the state, no governor has ever sponsored over 200 Muslims to a pilgrimage except Governor Uzodimma.
Emetumah, who is also the traditional ruler of Umuofor in Oguta council, also applauded the charismatic and leadership qualities of Ilomuanya, whom he described as a leader per excellence. He, however, appealed to Ilomuanya to convey to the governor the Muslim community’s displeasure over how one man hijacked the governor’s goodwill to them and made huge capital out of it.
“We appeal to Governor Uzodimma to relate with us through the Imo Haji Committee rather than through any individual. We don’t want anybody to undermine our governor’s goodwill to the Muslim community in the state for selfish gains. We need peace in Imo and anything or conduct which could trigger a crisis must be condemned and avoided,” the group said.