The Chief Imam of Abia State, Sheikh Ali Ukiwe, has proffered prayer, religious tolerance, forgiveness, love, peace and unity as solutions to Nigeria’s security and challenges.
Ukiwe told LEADERSHIP yesterday that as Muslims celebrate the Eid-el-Kabir festival, they should be grateful to Allah and live in peace with one another.
He said, “My Sallah message to Muslims across the state is for them to intensify their prayers to Allah for the peace, unity and development of the state in particular and the country at large.
“I want them to live in peace and harmony with one another wherever they find themselves. And to continue to live with all and sundry irrespective of ethnicity or religious affiliation.
“I also urge them to sustain their support for Governor Alex Otti. They should continue to pray for him for the good work he is doing in the state which we have never seen,” Ukiwe said
He thanked the governor for the ongoing transformations across the state and the level of security “which has made the state the most peaceful in the country.”
“Of course, the government is leaving no stone unturned on security. As you can see, the state is safer than anywhere in the country today,” he asserted.
As part of measures to curb insecurity in the country, he called for the monitoring of religious preaching to ensure that such messages are in conformity with the tenets of peace and love.
He condemned the attitude of preachers who engage in name calling, hate speeches and attacking of practitioners of other religions for no other reason than trouble making.
