Awka-Gov. Willie Obiano of Anambra has urged Muslims to use the spiritual ascendancy they attained during the just-concluded Ramadan as a tool to rebuild the fabric of national unity.
In his Eid el-Fitri message in Awka on Friday, Obiano stressed the need for the unity of the country.
“The cleansing achieved from the fasting period must enable us to take a spiritual stock of our lives as a nation and reaffirm our common humanity and our unity as a country.
“Nigeria and indeed the world at large must build bridges of brotherhood to harness the benefits of earthly life and the ultimate purpose of creation.
“There can be no gainsaying the fact that occasions of religious celebration offer us a sober moment of reflection on how best to build our lives individually and collectively,’’ the message read.
Obiano further observed that the injunction to charity which was usually demonstrated at this time through the donation of gifts to the less privileged was a practice that spread love and happiness.
“It is, however, important to note that neither poverty nor compassion has religious, geographical or ethnic barriers,’’ he said.
He also said that the celebration presented Nigerians an important moment to reflect on the challenges of insurgency and general insecurity that was “holding the country in an iron grip’’.
The governor advised the people to always strive to peacefully win the hearts and minds of those who opposed their choices rather than use force.
According to him, freedom is a fundamental human condition enshrined in creation; lasting social structures are often the product of mutual respect, dialogue, equity and mutual tolerance.
He contended that if the society was safe and just, healthy for all regardless of the different religious creeds and cultural differences.
While wishing Muslims a happy celebration, Obiano urged all to pray for the peace and prosperity of the country. (NAN)
