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Governor Hope Uzodimma has said the benefits derivable from the cohabitation of Muslims and Christians in Imo State in particular and Nigeria in general cannot be quantified.
He spoke at the Banquet Hall of the Government House Owerri when he feted Muslims who were joined by their Christian neighbours to celebrate Eid-el-Kabir.
He also congratulated fathers on the occasion of father’s day, saying their support to his government in building a virile society cannot be discountenanced.
Governor 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 State but elsewhere in Nigeria.
He congratulated the Muslim faithful for successfully completing their fasting and for the privilege of being alive to witness the 2024 Festival of Sacrifice (Eid- el-Kabir), urging them to wear tolerance like a cloth.
In calling for continuous unity among members of the Muslim community and by extension, their cohabitation with other religious faiths, Governor Uzodimma reminded his audience that their faiths are simply means of getting to their 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 the Bible condemn,” the Governor said adding that, “tolerance is the name of the business, and with it inclusive growth and development will be achieved.”
Governor Uzodimma thanked the Christian community for the solidarity they showed to their Muslim brothers and sisters by turning up in their numbers to be part of the”common communion.”
“If you can eat together, it means you can live together, work together and even protect your environment together,” the Governor counselled them, adding, “it is now time to interrogate our consciences and do those things that please God.”
Earlier, the leadership of the Muslim community in Imo State assured Governor Uzodimma that they have seen that nothing compares to unity, hence promised to remain united in all their endeavours.
Alhaji Bashir Uwakwe who spoke for his colleagues thanked the Governor for deeming it necessary, again, to fete them in Government House in what they described as unquantifiable show of love to them and their faith, promising to be of good behaviour and to make positive impact in Imo State.
Uwakwe said since Governor Uzodimma mounted the saddle in Imo State Muslims have never had cause to regret, noting that what they owe him is their prayers.
They, however, appealed to the Governor to ensure that a good number of the Muslim faithful in Imo State is given the opportunity to be part of the Hajj next year.
On father’s day, Governor Uzodimma said: “As we commemorate International Father’s Day, I extend my heartfelt felicitations to all our esteemed fathers for all your support and commitment to our Government’s programmes and policies, especially in the realm of society building, which have been invaluable.
“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. Rest assured, our Government remains dedicated to working in the best interest of our people but of course, with your continued support.
“Happy father’s day.”
