UMAHI FETES MUSLIMS IN ABAKALIKI AT EID AL-KABIR .... Enjoins All To Imbibe Virtues of Sacrifice, Harmonious Co-existence

Nigeria's Minister of Works, David Umahi has urged Nigerians to reflect on the religious significance of Eid al- Kabir and  the reinforcing values of sacrifice, gratitude, charity and compassion, devotion and unity among one another.

He stressed that these are the quest for national harmony; the hallmarks of the festival of sacrifice celebrated by the Muslim faithfuls all over the world.

Engr Umahi gave this advice when the Muslim community in Ebonyi State and other stakeholders came to solidarize with him in his residence in Abakaliki on this important holiday in the Islamic calendar.

The Minister commended the sense of unity and love among the Hausa, Igbo, and Yoruba communities who are Muslim faithfuls in Ebonyi State and charged them to continue to support and pray for the Renewed Hope administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is working magnificently to return the country to the path of honour and glory. 

Umahi further urged them to continue to support the administration of the Governor of their host State, Rt. Hon. Bldr. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, FNIOB GG, who has remained inclusive and steadfast in the discharge of his People's Charter of Needs. 

"President Tinubu is trying very much to help this country. We know that things are hard. And if he doesn't do what he's doing, in the future, we may not have a country called Nigeria. So, the much his disciples can help, they try to help. That's why I rushed home, so that I will join my government, to assist you people, to buy food, to celebrate. And so, I want you to pray for Mr. President and pray for our Governor. 

According to the Works Minister, "In Ebonyi State, there's no discrimination, whether Igbo, Hausa, Yoruba or other tribes. We are one people."

The Minister also used the opportunity to celebrate with former State Executive Council members and other stakeholders  who visited him. He charged them to continue to be very loyal, responsive, and supportive to the administration of Mr. President and that of the Governor of Ebonyi State.

He noted that the APC administration at the Federal and State levels is working  concertedly and inclusively to meet the yearnings of Nigerians.

"Let's try to know that we are a community of one people. Let's try to know that North, South, Central is just for the convenience of our political administration. Let's be united, for if you are segregated, you are not helping the government." 

He commended the State Government  and the stakeholders for the peace in the State. 

"I want to commend you people and commend the government again for the peace that is in the State. And I want you to continue to support and pray for him."

In his response, the spokesman to the Muslim faithfuls, Alhaji Idris Datti Suleiman thanked the Minister of Works for his usual sense of benevolence to the  Muslim community. He particularly  thanked him for the huge sallah gifts and donations he made to them, ìncluding the women, youths and others whom they represented in the visit. 

He assured the Minister of the unwavering support and solidarity of the Muslim community in Ebonyi State to the administration of Mr. President and that of their host Govermor. 

"Permit me to say the truth. I was born and brought up in Ebonyi. I grew up here. We have had so many Ministers since the creation of Ebonyi State to date. No one has shown such a kind gesture as you, the Minister of Works. 

"No Minister has ever invited the Muslim faithfuls in his house to celebrate a Muslim festival. In fact, your own is quite unique because you invited us at a time that every Nigerian needed help. Thank you sir". Alhaji Datti Suleiman stated.