- Says ex-Gov wholly supportive of them
The Muslim Community in Anambra State has extolled the Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Mr Peter Obi, as a true and detribalized Nigerian who does not segregate against tribe, religion, or ethnicity.
They also appreciated his unwavering support to the Community from his days as the Governor of Anambra State till now.
Speaking at the Central Mosque, Onitsha, where Obi celebrated the Eid el Fitr with them, the Secretary of the Muslim Community in Anambra, Mahmoud Imam expressed displeasure over what they described as unnecessary lies and propaganda against the former governor.
Imam said they were unhappy with the religious and ethnic coloration that some persons have given to Obi and his quest for a New Nigeria, describing him as a man who has continued to give them support through the many challenges they have been through, as a people, in the State.
“We follow the news, and we are not pleased with the many negative stories people tell about Obi’s relationship with the North. We here are not only close to Obi, but we have remained the consistent beneficiaries of his benevolence.
“So we can say, authoritatively, that the stories making the rounds online, that Peter Obi does not care for Northerners, are false. When our mosque was burnt down, he quickly rebuilt it for us and made it even better.”
Going down memory lane, the Community Secretary said; “During the crisis that erupted in the State in 2006, Obi ensured that no Hausa man was hurt. He gave us maximum security in the barracks.
“Throughout his eight years as a Governor, he would invite us to the government house every year during the Sallah celebration, eat and celebrate with us. This time around, he decided to visit and celebrate with us in the mosque.
“Many of our people here, not less than 150 were sponsored by Peter Obi to Mecca for pilgrimage, over the years. We equally watched his movements during the campaign, how he toured the Northern part of Nigeria and visited places no one expected.
“We are happy with our relationship with him and with the North. He is a true Nigerian.”
Addressing the Muslim Community, Mr Obi appreciated the members for being so welcoming, explaining that his visit was to celebrate the Eid el Fitr with them as he has always done.
In promising continued support to Muslims in the State and across the country, in any way possible, the former Anambra Chief Executive reiterated the need for Nigerians to love and appreciate one another.
According to him, every Nigerian should be free to live and thrive in any part of the country without intimidation or harassment, adding; “I am a Nigerian who believes in Nigeria. My ADC when I was Governor, Idris, is a Northerner from Kano State, and he is a good man.
“I have never discriminated against anyone based on religion or tribe, and I will never do that. I want the whole nation to hold me accountable for this.
“I will never discriminate against anybody. I will continue to support you, especially in areas of education, health, and your worship. Please disregard anyone who tells you that I do not like the Northerners. I love every Nigerian.”
Highlight of the engagement was the presentation of 30 cartons of noodles, 30 cartons of Malt, bags of rice, and a cash gift of N500,000 to the Muslim Community.
Appreciating the gift items, the Chief Imam of Central Mosque, Onitsha, Alhaji Abdulrahman Hamza Imam, lauded the Labour Party’s flag bearer for his kind gesture and prayed to Allah to continue to protect, bless and guide him always.
