Obi issues cheques for Awka, Onitsha mosques renovation

The presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi, on Wednesday, issued cheques to the Muslim community in Anambra State for the renovation of the mosques in Akwa and Onitsha.

Obi said the gesture was in fulfilment of the promise he made to the Muslim community in April.

He issued the cheques when members of the Anambra Muslim community paid him a visit in Onitsha in celebration of the Sallah festival.

Obi said his support for the Muslim community was to demonstrate the brotherly love and unity that should exist among Nigerians, irrespective of tribal, political or religious belief.

It would be recalled that during Obi’s visit to Awka and Onitsha muslim communities in April, he promised to support them in renovating their place of worship, which  was no longer in good condition.

Obi said, “We are all Nigerians, and we will continue to live as one, irrespective of our religious or political beliefs. What we owe each other is brotherly love and care, so we can live in peace and unity as a nation. We have no other nation but Nigeria and we must make it work.

“I know that times are difficult for everybody in the country, but if we rise above our religious, political and ethnic divisions, we will be able to surmount our challenges in unity. We will not give up on our nation, but continue to work for a new Nigeria that will be beneficial to every Nigerian.”

The Sarki of Awka Muslim community, Alhaji Garba Haruna, said the Muslim community was thrilled by Obi’s simplicity and consistency.

Haruna added that Obi has, once again, demonstrated that he is a  truly detribalised Nigerian, by making out time to mark their Sallah celebration with them.

He appreciated Obi for the cash gifts, which, he said, will go a long way in rebuilding the mosque.

The Sarki of Onitsha Muslim Community, Alhaji Iliyasu Yushau, on his part, said the memories of Obi’s visit to their mosque in April was still fresh in their minds.

Aside the cheques presented to the Muslim communities, Obi also gave them other material gifts and food items to celebrate the day.