BY Tony Edike & Anayo Okoli

ENUGU—GOVERNOR Sullivan Chime of Enugu State has urged Nigerians to use the occasion of the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations to rededicate themselves to values and virtues that would promote tolerance, brotherhood and unity among all groups in the country.

In a Sallah message to Muslims in Abia State, Governor Orji reminded them that love, peace and unity were essential for the growth and development of the country.

Governor Chime, in a goodwill message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Chukwudi Achife, said the celebrations offered Nigerians the opportunity to reflect on Allah’s love and compassion for mankind and ensure that they shared similar attitudes and maintained the highest respect for human life.

He commended Muslims in the state for the contributions and sacrifices they had continued to make towards the rapid development of Abia, especially through their respect for the rule of law and pursuit of peaceful coexistence with their neighbours and people of other religious persuasions.

On his part, Orji stated that the occasion afforded Muslims time for spiritual reflection and urged them to use the opportunity to pray for the country’s leaders for proper direction.

He enjoined them to pray against religious intolerance and other acts that threatened the peace of the country.

Orji also assures Moslems that Abia State remains safe for all and promised that his Government will continue to protect their interest and welfare.

The Governor restated the state government’s commitment to protect and cater for the interests of all communities living in the state adding that such disposition had helped to forge a sense of common destiny and partnership among all the different interest groups in the state.

“As we celebrate with our brothers and sisters of the Muslim faith on the occasion of Id-El-Kabir, we urge all of us to use this occasion to rededicate ourselves to values and virtues that promote love, tolerance, brothers and unity among all Nigerians”, the Governor said.