Pix: Imo Deputy Governor, Prince Eze Madumere flanked by the Muslim community after a solidarity visit to Imo Deputy
Imo State Government has called on the Muslim Community to reflect and live up to ideals and lesson of the last Ramadan and pursue peace at all cost for the progress the country.
Addressing the Muslim Council of Imo State on behalf of Governor of Imo State, Owelle Anayo Rochas Okorocha when they paid him a traditional end of Eid-el-Fitr celebration visit, Imo Deputy Governor, Prince Eze Madumere reminded them of the lesson of the celebration, which boardered on piety, moderation, sacrifice, good neighbourliness and respect for the constituted authority.
The deputy governor stated that the state and the people of Imo state have maintained an admirable mutual co-existence with the Muslim community in the state which has ensured peace and stability, and asked God to grant his grace for the continuity of the co-existence.
He therefore urged them to put in practice the lessons of the celebration and pursue peace at all cost, saying Nigeria of collective dream is only realizable when Nigerians love one another, treat one another as equal.
He described Imo as one of the state of the federation that has the most cordial relationship with the Muslim community and promised that the government will do everything possible to ensure that challenges and legitimate concerns of the council and the entire state Muslim community are fully addressed.
Prince Eze Madumere also thanked the Imo Muslim community on behalf of the state governor for their immense support and spirit of solidarity.
While felicitating with the Imo Muslim Umar and the brethren all over the world on the successful end of the Ramadan fast for the feast of Eid-El-Fitr, the deputy governor stated that the government has never forgotten the unalloyed support of the community to the government and the APC party in the just concluded 2015 elections.
Earlier, the leader of the delegation and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Imo State, Yusuf Nwoha, stated that the council’s visit was to renew the council’s support to the government and to pay its traditional end of Ramadan homage which has been the council’s annual custom in its relationship with the host government.
In the council’s address, they promised to offer greater support to the government especially in the critical areas of security and development. According to the address, the feast of Ramadan is an important Muslim spiritual ritual that helps citizens’ spiritual rebirth in character and in morals.
The council assured the state government of its readiness and the willingness of the Muslim community in Imo state to partner with the Rescue Mission government of Gov. Rochas Okorocha on the security of lives and properties of the citizens by being vigilant against strange and harmful element especially as the nation face strong battle against terrorism and insurgency.
While appreciating the immense support of the Rescue mission government towards the good and wellbeing of the Muslim community in the state, the council made a special request to the government to provide the Muslim Umar in Imo state with an Eid ground as is the case in other states of the federation.
The council also called the government’s attention to the ongoing demolition of shanties and illegal structures at the popular Amawusa market. According to the secretary’s address, while the council commended the government of Gov. Okorocha for the exercise which is aimed at making Owerri a clean city, the council passionately requested the government to help the community provide better market infrastructures at the market or grant the community the permission to provide such at a given period of time.
Earlier in an opening prayer, the Chief Imam of Imo state, Alhaji Dauda Onyeagocha, asked God to protect the state and citizens, and provide the leaders especially the governor and his deputy the wisdom to lead the state to prosperity.