By Chizoba Okeke
The Speaker, Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze, has called for peaceful coexistence and stronger interreligious relations among Nigerians as Muslims commemorate Eid-El-Maulud, marking the birth of Prophet Muhammad.
Udeze made the call on Aug. 25 in his goodwill message to Muslims in Anambra and across the country, urging religious bodies to look beyond their differences and work together to promote peace, unity and development.
He said religious differences should not be allowed to divide Nigerians, stressing that their shared belief in God as the Creator was greater than the factors separating them.
“Our religious differences should never be strong enough to divide us. We all believe in God as the Creator of heaven and earth and everything therein. What should unite us is greater than what separates us,” he said.
The Speaker said the peace, unity and development of the country should supersede religious affiliations and interests, noting that no religious group could truly thrive in the absence of a peaceful and conducive environment.
Udeze urged Muslims to use the occasion to reflect on the teachings and exemplary life of Prophet Muhammad by promoting love, compassion, charity, tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
“As we commemorate the birth of Prophet Muhammad, I urge our Muslim brothers and sisters to renew their commitment to love, almsgiving, religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
“Let us continue to uphold those values that bring us together as one people,” he said.
The Speaker also commended Governor Chukwuma Soludo for what he described as his inclusive approach toward the Muslim community in Anambra.
He particularly praised the governor for creating an enabling environment for Muslims to practise their faith and pursue their legitimate means of livelihood without discrimination.
Udeze urged the Muslim community to reciprocate the gesture by remaining peaceful, law abiding and supportive of government policies and programmes aimed at advancing the state.
“I urge our Muslim leaders to continue preaching oneness, brotherhood, peace and mutual respect to their members.
“Through collective understanding and tolerance, we can build a more peaceful and prosperous Anambra State and Nigeria,” he said.
Chizoba Okeke is the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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