The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi, on Wednesday celebrated Eid al Adha 2023 with the Anambra Muslim Community in Onitsha, calling on Nigerians to embrace peace, unity and brotherly love.
Obi, who was visited in his residence by leaders of the Anambra Muslim Community, said that he decided to celebrate the Eid al Adha with the Muslim community in Anambra, to show the brotherly love and unity that should exist among Nigerians, irrespective of tribal, political or religious belief, and to start fulfilling his promise of helping to renovate the Awka and Onitsha mosques.
It would be recalled that during Obi’s visit to Awka and Onitsha Muslim communities in April, he promised to support them in renovating their places of worship which was no longer in good condition.
The Labour Party Presidential candidate also used the opportunity of the visit to start fulfilling his earlier promise as he presented both Awka and Onitsha Muslim Communities with cheques worth millions of Naira to commence with the renovation projects.
Apart from the cheques presented to the Muslim communities, Obi gave them other material gifts to celebrate Sallah.
Speaking at the event, Obi said: “We are all Nigerians, and we will continue to live as one irrespective of our religious or political beliefs. What we owe each other is brotherly love and care, so we can live in peace and unity as a nation. We have no other nation but Nigeria and we must make it work.
“I know that times are difficult for everybody in the country, but if we rise above our religious, political, and ethnic divisions, we will be able to surmount our challenges in unity. We will not give up on our nation, but continue to work for a New Nigeria that will be beneficial to every Nigerian.”
In his words of appreciation, the Sarki of Awka Muslim Community, Alhaji Garba Haruna said they were thrilled by Obi’s simplicity and consistency. He said Obi has, once again, demonstrated that he is a truly detribalised Nigerian, by making out time to mark their Sallah celebration with them.
Alhaji Haruna recalled how Obi visited their mosque in April and was displeased with the deplorable state of their mosque, and pledged to help in renovating it. He sincerely appreciated Obi for the cash gift which he said will go a long way in rebuilding the mosque.
Appreciating Obi further, the Sarki of the Onitsha Muslim Community, Alhaji Iliyasu Yushau, said the memories of Obi’s visit to their mosque in April still stay fresh in their minds. He said even though he was not in Anambra then, he received reports of Obi’s goodwill to the community.
Alhaji Yushau said Obi had not failed in taking care of the Muslim community in Anambra, even from his days as the Governor of the State. He said Obi’s actions reflect a leader who is desirous of caring for everyone irrespective of tribe or religion. He prayed to Allah to bless and grant Obi his heart desires.