Governor Otti Calls for Peace and Tolerance as He Celebrates Eid El Fitr With Muslim Community in Abia
Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has called for peace, mutual understanding, and religious tolerance among Nigerians as Muslim faithful around the world celebrate this year's Eid El Fitr. Speaking on Monday at his Nvosi country home, Governor Otti warmly received members of the Muslim community who paid him a Sallah homage, reaffirming his administration's commitment to inclusivity and unity.
During the gathering, Governor Otti emphasized that his government does not discriminate based on religion, ethnicity, or gender, stressing that a lack of understanding fuels division and discrimination in society.
"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,"he said.
He further highlighted his administration's policy of inclusion by pointing out that the Abia State Head of Service hails from Edo State.
"We have literally abolished State of Origin here. So, if you live here, are a good citizen, pay your taxes, and contribute to development, you are from here,"Governor Otti stated.
Governor Otti used the opportunity to provide updates on the state's infrastructure projects. He announced that the reconstruction of Ohanko Road in Aba, which is being built using cement pavement technology for durability, will be completed by the end of April.
Additionally, he responded to the request from the Muslim community regarding the revocation of their cemetery's Certificate of Occupancy in Umuahia by the previous administration. The governor assured them that his government would investigate the matter and work toward a fair resolution.
The governor expressed gratitude to the Muslim community for their support before, during, and after the 2023 general elections in Abia State. He congratulated them on completing their Ramadan fast and noted that their celebration coincided with the Christian Lent period, reinforcing the shared values of sacrifice and devotion among both faiths.
Former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Azubuike Ihejirika, also addressed the gathering, emphasizing the need for religious and ethnic tolerance to achieve lasting peace, security, and unity in the country.
Chief Imam of Abia State, Sheikh Ali Ukiwo, explained that Eid El Fitr marks the end of 30 days of fasting and prayer in the Islamic calendar. He stated that the Muslim faithful had used the period to pray for the continued peace and security of Abia State and for the success of Governor Otti's administration. Sheikh Ukiwo also expressed gratitude to the governor for sponsoring their pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia for this year's Hajj.
The Sarki Hausa of Umuahia and Chairman of the South-South, South-East Traditional Rulers Council, Sarki Yaro Danladi, alongside the Sarki of Aba Community, Sarki Shehu Bello, commended the governor for his transformative infrastructural projects in Aba and across the state. They also called for measures to decongest Aba's growing commercial activities to enhance business operations.
The event was attended by senior government officials, Muslim community leaders, and other stakeholders, underscoring the administration's commitment to fostering peace and development in Abia State.
