By Tony Adibe
The Governor-Elect of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah has felicitated with Muslim faithful across the state, Nigeria, and the world at large on this year’s Eid el-Fitr celebration marking the end of the month-long Holy Ramadan.
Dr Mbah, who urged the Muslim Ummah to continue to sustain the spirit of Ramadan which “encapsulates peace, love, unity, progress, neighborliness, development and nation-building,” however, pledged that his administration would run “governance of inclusiveness, encourage religious harmony and forge a common front for the wellness of the society.”
In a statement made available by the Head, Peter Mbah Media Office, Dan Nwomeh, the Governor-elect further assured that the “peace and security of the citizens irrespective of religious leaning would be his administration’s priority.”
The Governor-Elect stressed that the Muslim Ummah, and indeed, all Nigerians should learn some good lessons from the just concluded Ramadan by being their brothers and neighbours’ keepers. He noted that Christians, Muslims, and others have been co-existing harmoniously in the state which would be consolidated when he assumes office in May.
Part of the statement read: “Let me thank the Almighty Allah (SWT), the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful, for the successful completion of this year’s Holy Month of Ramadan by our Muslim brothers and sisters in Enugu State, Nigeria, and the globe.
“This year’s Ramadan has ushered in peace, unity and progress symbolizing the beginning of a new journey of greatness in the annals of our state and country. It has its spiritual significance which all Muslim Ummah must not abandon in the course of this celebration.
The Holy Ramadan has taught us unconditional love for our family, neighbours, and our society. It has taught us that peace costs nothing but remains priceless. It has given clues on how-to live-in harmony with people around us. “Our dear Enugu State, unarguably, remains the most peaceful state in terms of religious tolerance and freedom of worship. We intend to build on this strong pillar of peace in our incoming administration to ensure religious inclusiveness across board.
“As we mark this year’s Eid el Fitr, I urge Nigerians to continue to pray for enduring peace in our state and country in general, see government and governance as a collective responsibility, assist our security agencies in preventing crimes by reporting unusual and strange activities in our neighborhoods, and join hands in the ongoing nation-building.”
Dr Mbah also reassured Enugu residents of his desire to transform the state through “industrialisation, robust development policies and projects that would lift the citizens out of the pit of poverty, provide jobs for the youths, empower the vulnerable, and promote gender inclusiveness.” He further wished Muslim faithful a happy celebration and Allah’s protection throughout the period of festivity.
