Abia State Government wants a stronger, united Nigeria and has requested its counterparts in the North to reciprocate the love shown to Muslims in the South East, particularly Abia State , by doing same to Christians and non-indigenes living with them.  

Governor Theodore Orji who made the call while hosting the Muslim Community in Abia which paid him Sallah homage last Tuesday, said the state government has been showing love and accommodating the Muslim faithful residing in Abia because of its belief that Nigeria was one and its people should always work together.  

Addressing the capacity crowd of the Muslims who thronged the Okpara Auditorium for the annual Sallah homage to the governor, Orji said: “at this point it is imperative to request our brother governors and governments of the Northern states to show as much love as we show to you to our people living in the North by giving land to them for their programmes and projects and share homage as we have always done here, Respect, they say, is reciprocal. We are one and must continue to work together as one, united people.”  

The governor used the occasion to reassure the Muslims that government would not reverse its policy of non-discrimination towards non-indigenes residing in the state, especially the Muslims.  

Orji, represented by his Deputy, Comrade Chris Akomas, also recalled that Abia government has never allowed Muslims to suffer reprisal attacks when crises erupted in the North.  

“You will recall that during the crises that erupted in the North in times past, Government always took steps to ensure that Muslims were shielded from reprisal attacks. That is a mark of our love for you.”  

The governor also told his guests that government has acceded to most of their requests, including the donation of a bus, land for cemetery; intervened in the issue of lock-up shops in Aba and appointed their members into the Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board.  

He said efforts were on top gear to provide a modern motor park and efficient security at the Lokpanta Cattle Market.  

He enjoined the Muslims to continue to live in piety as if they were still observing the Ramadan fasting and to pray for the federal and state governments to overcome the current challenges facing the country, just as they should remember the less privileged as they celebrate the Eid-el-Fitri.  

Earlier, chairman of Abia State Muslim Community, Alhaji Uzoma Anyatonwu, had praised the government for ensuring that the cordial relationship existing between the Muslims, government and the people of the state was sustained. Anyatonwu also expressed gratitude to the government for granting  the requests made by the Muslim Community.

He, however, requested for a Pilgrims Welfare Board exclusivey for Muslims with its member as Secretary.  

The Muslim leader enjoined Nigerians to eschew destructive politics but indulge in things that would unite the country.  

The Muslim Sallah homage has become an annual event during which the governor interacts and entertains the Muslim community.