Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has reiterated his administration’s will continue to treat everyone in the State fairly, no matter their religion or background emphasizing that unity and understanding are the only way Nigeria can move forward.
Governor Otti stated this, on Monday, when he received members of the Muslim Community who paid him a Sallah homage as part of this year’s Eid El Fitr celebrations.
He called on Nigerians to embrace peace and shun all forms of discrimination, stressing that religion or ethnicity should not be a basis for division.
“I think it is lack of understanding that makes people, begin to kill each other and to discriminate. If we understand clearly that God created us equal then some of the problems we see, we won’t see them.
“So if you discriminate, you will shortchange yourself. You will make it difficult for you to reap the full benefits that has deposited in every human being.
“That is why our administration does not discriminate on the basis of tribe or religion”, Governor Otti stated.
He reaffirmed his administration’s inclusive policies, citing the appointment of an Edo State indigene as the Abia State Head of Service.
“We have literally abolished state of origin here. So if you live here and you are a good citizen of the country and you pay your taxes here and contribute to the development here, you are from here”, Gov. Otti stated.
The Governor who also used the opportunity to provide updates on key infrastructural projects, announced that the ongoing reconstruction of Ohanko Road in Aba, built with cement pavement technology for durability, would be completed by the end of April.
In response to concerns raised by the Muslim Community regarding their revoked Cemetery land in Umuahia, Governor Otti assured them that his administration would investigate the issue and seek a resolution.
The Governor while congratulations the Muslim faithful on the completion of their Ramadan fast, acknowledged the significance of Eid El Fitr, which coincides with the Christian Lent period.
He appreciated the Muslim Community for their support before, during, and after the 2023 General elections.
Also speaking, the former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Azubuike Ihejirika (rtd.), who was also present at the event, emphasized that peace, security, and national unity can only be achieved through religious and ethnic tolerance.
Earlier, the Chief Imam of Abia State, Sheikh Ali Ukiwo, described Eid El Fitr as a period of prayer and reflection, noting that the Muslim faithful had prayed for the State’s peace and the success of Governor Otti’s administration.
He thanked the Governor for sponsoring their pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia for this year’s Hajj.
In their separate remarks, the Sarki Hausawa of Umuahia and Chairman of the South-South/South-East Traditional Rulers Council, Sarki Yaro Danladi, along with his Aba counterpart, Sarki Shehu Bello, lauded the Governor’s infrastructural development efforts.
They, however, urged him to address the growing congestion in Aba, driven by increased commercial activities.
