Eid Al-Adha: South-South Governors Felicitate Muslims, Urge Peace and Tolerance

Muslims have been urged to imbibe the principle of peace, tolerance, and self-sacrifice as they celebrate Eid Al-Adha across the different states in south-South Nigeria.

Some governors within the Niger Delta region made the call in separate felicitation messages to the Muslim community in their states.

Cross River 

The Cross River Governor, Senator Bassey Otu in a message urging Muslims to embrace peace and support his administration to reposition the state to an enviable height.

Otu, in a message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Emmanuel Ogbeche, urged the Muslim Ummah to pray for Cross River State and Nigeria to be a society that works for all.

Governor Otu sued for tolerance, sacrifice and commitment to the teachings of Allah as exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim and appealed to citizens in the state to embrace peace and mutual cohabitation as well as strive to remain  urging law-abiding despite challenges.

The governor stated, “I call on all Muslims to be tolerant, obedient, and show act of sacrifice as exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim, who was ready to sacrifice his only son in obedience and submission to the will of Allah.

“The Muslim community in Cross River State have been part of the ‘Peoples First’ Agenda to develop a social economy and political architecture and as such an important partner. So, on behalf of the Government and People of Cross River State, I wish the Muslim community a successful Eid Al-Adha celebrations,” he stated.

He promised that his government was working towards a better state for all citizens irrespective of tribe, religion and ethnic differences.

Delta State 

In the same vein, the Delta State Governor, Mr.Sheriff Oborevwori, has felicitated with Muslims as they celebrate Eid Al-Adha.

Governor Oborevwori, also in a Sallah message by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, described Eid Al-Adha as a season of love, peace, togetherness and sacrifice.

The governor said: “We must use the Eid Al-Adha celebration to reflect further and pray for our country to overcome the many problems confronting it. This year’s Eid Al-Adha celebration is coming shortly after a smooth transition from one civil rule to another at the presidency and most of the states of the nation.

“As a people we must be patient with government at all levels as we move to consolidate on the reigns of governance across the country. So, as you celebrate, let us learn to be our brother’s keeper by ensuring peaceful co-existence among one another irrespective of tribe and religious belief.

“On behalf of the government and people of Delta, I congratulate our Muslim brothers and sisters all over the country on the occasion of the 2023 Eid Al-Adha,” he stated.

Rivers State 

Similarly, Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has urged Muslims to reflect the principle of obedience and sacrifice in line with the teachings of the Holy Prophet.

Governor Fubara, in a message issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Governor, Boniface Onyedi, urged Muslims and Nigerians in general to make sacrifices that would foster growth and development of Rivers State and the country.

He stated, “in the spirit of this special day, I urge all Muslims and indeed all Nigerians to reflect on the rare virtues of obedience, sacrifice and faith as exemplified by the Holy Prophet.”

The governor further urged “Nigerians to imbibe the obligational character of sacrifice for the growth and development of the country. The nation is passing through a phase of recovery that will result in the well-being and prosperity of all.”

He expressed hope that the prayers and sacrifices would culminate to enhancing peace, unity and the advancement of the nation.