His Eminence, Cardinal John Onaiyekan and Governor Simon Bako Lalong of Plateau State, during their annual reach out to Muslim community in Abuja
By YUSUFU IDEGU, Jos-
His Eminence, Cardinal John Onaiyekan and Governor Simon Bako Lalong of Plateau State were at the Al-habibiyya Islamic Centre in Guzape, Abuja to make donations to the Centre as part of the annual reachout of the Cardinal to the Muslim community.
Governor Lalong who accompanied Cardinal Onaiyekan to the breaking of fast on Thursday evening, described the gesture as exemplary and capable of eliminating the intolerance and suspicion that exists between Christians and muslims.
He commended the Cardinal for demonstrating the love of God to muslims and people of other faiths.
Governor Lalong explained that such interactions and solidarity will foster peaceful coexistence among Nigerians and remove the negative narratives of religious differences that have become a major threat to the progress of Nigeria.
The Governor said his passion for peace would continue to motivate him towards reaching out to people of different ethno religious backgrounds in order to ensure that humanity is respected and defended.
In his remarks, Cardinal Onaiyekan appreciated the Al-habibiyya Islamic Centre for always inviting him, describing the gesture as a good step towards building bridges and demystifying the so-called differences said to exist among Nigerians that have been exploited for negative reasons.
He said despite the terror unleashed on Nigerians by few criminal elements, the people still peacefully in love and are tolerant to one another’s religious, political and ethnic persuasions.
The Cardinal, therefore warned against the propagation of the notion that Nigerians are at war with one another which is incorrect.
On his part, The Imam of Al-habibiyya Islamic Centre, Fuad Adayemi, said the visit of the Governor and the Cardinal is significant because it shows their antecedents as peacemakers and leaders who should be emulated.
Imam Fuad who is the presenter of Abrahamic Mission on NTA Network appreciated Governor Simon Lalong for appearing on the programme and continuously working to entrench peace and progress in Plateau State and Nigeria as a whole.
Also, The NDLEA Chairman, Gen. Buba Marwa also attended the breaking of fast where the Cardinal and Governor Lalong participated in the sharing of food donated to the ummah. Prayers were offered for the peace of Nigeria.