Nigeria @64: Gov. Otu preaches unity, peaceful coexistence
By Ebi COLLINS
Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State recently emphasized the importance of national unity and peaceful coexistence ahead of Nigeria's 64th Independence Day Anniversary on 1st October.
The Governor, who gave spoke at the Muslim J'umat service - a build up activity for Nigeria's 2024 Independence Day Anniversary - held at the Calabar Central Mosque, Friday, said the message aligns with his administration's focus on promoting harmony and understanding among citizens, Cross Riverians and residents alike.
Represented by the Commissioner for Information, Dr. Erasmus Ekpang, the Governor remarked: "For us here in Cross River State, Muslims, Christians, we are one. And the message is for us to continue to live in harmony and peaceful coexistence; because indeed we are totally one before our Creator.
"Because the truth about it is that, be it Muslim, Christian, Jew, or whoever you are, since you reside in Cross River State, you are considered a Cross Riverian. So you must always keep your environment clean, make yourself well, protect your environment.
And for us, the infrastructure development being executed by the state government, the progressive economic policies of the state and all that, would definitely going to cut across all individuals living in Cross River State, regardless of religion, tribe or nationality.
"So we came here to worship with them today, just to mark the 64th birthday of this great country, Nigeria; and to urge all of us to be together as one."
Governor Otu's message hinged on prioritizing the promoting interfaith harmony, encouraging national unity.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Religious Matters, Apostle Frank Umoh, in an interview with newsmen, said the Imam's message which admonished Muslims to live in peace and harmony with Christians was very encouraging.
"Occasions like this presents an opportunity for various religious groups to interact and interface and strengthen the bond between them. It is the same thing that me as a Christian preacher have been preaching.
"Celebrating Nigeria at 64, I think we have all come of age to know that the first thing we have to focus on is our country, Nigeria.
"So if the Muslims see Christians as Nigerians and the Christians see Muslims as Nigerians, the better we will be. There is a need for us to harmonize," the SA added.
Earlier in his teaching, the Imam Akere Abdulhafeez of the Calabar Central Mosque, told worshippers that man's duty is not only to God but humanity, too. He reminded them that love for one's country is a religious tenet that must be obeyed, hence the need for peace, harmony, tolerance and good neighborliness.
The J'umat service, which had the Chief Imam of Cross River State and Chairman, Muslims Pilgrims Board, Imam Kabeer Olowo, Ministry of Information's Permanent Secretary, Comrade Sam Egbala, and others in attendance, featured prayers for the leaders and the nation at large.
