Lessons of Ugwuanyi’s visit to Mosque at Sallah

I was astonished if not dumfounded when I read
in the national dailies recently that Governor
Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State visited the
Central Mosque in Owerri road, Enugu, to
felicitate with the Muslims during their Eid-el-
Fitr celebration. I appreciated the visit more
when I saw in the social media the images of
the governor with the enthusiastic Muslims and
the friendship that adored between both parties.
Gov. Ugwuanyi’s surprise visit has left me in a
state of sober reflection, considering the
avoidable wind of controversy rearing its ugly
head to the detriment of our national unity. The
governor’s visit has enriched my opinion about
his quiddity as a humble, peace loving and
detribalized Nigerian whose acts of love,
generosity and accommodating spirit know no
bounds. It has equally stood him out as a true
democrat, nationalist and an agent of
socialization, who strongly believes in the unity
of Nigeria as an indivisible entity and peaceful
co-existence of Nigerians, irrespective of our
socio-political differences.
The visit painted a vivid picture of what the
dreams and aspirations of the nation’s founding
fathers represent – to live in peace with one
another, make progress and defend the unity of
the country. The exemplary action was also in
keeping with the tenets of our National Anthem
– “To serve our Fatherland with love and
strength and faith” so that “the labour of our
heroes past shall never be in vain”.
Gov. Ugwuanyi by the visit exhibited maturity
and firm commitment to the spirit of our
nationhood notwithstanding the challenges
confronting us as a nation. So, I was impressed
with the governor’s bold initiative which is
strange in our contemporary society, especially
at this period the nation is experiencing some
challenges capable of undermining her unity. I
am also pleased to note that the governor prior
to the surprise visit had earlier in the day sent
Sallah gift items to the Muslims through his
Special Adviser on Security Matters, Gen. Fred
Eze (retd).
The message the governor sent out to Nigerians
through the recent fraternization with the
Muslims are enormous, instructive and
emulative and need to be emphasized for the
promotion of peace, love and national unity.
First, Governor Ugwuanyi’s action has reminded
Nigerians that irrespective of our religion, ethnic
and socio-political differences, we are one and
should show love to one another in time of joy
or sorrow. It has reaffirmed his commitment to
the diligent responsibility of showing love to
every resident of the state irrespective of religion
or tribe. It has also shown that we can resolve
our differences amicably, without any form of
violence or bickering.
These are lessons to be drawn from Gov.
Ugwuanyi’s recent disposition to the Muslims.
The governor has taken the dance steps of
peace, love forgiveness and national unity to the
market for us to emulate, purchase and practice
in the overall interest of our nation. I sincerely
salute him for this brave step geared towards
the reinvigoration and sustainability of our
founding fathers’ dreams. I also learnt that his
arrival to the mosque caused a flurry of
excitement which informed the rousing ovation
he received from the Muslims.
I recall that the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence,
Alhaji (Dr.) Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III had
during his official visit to Enugu State, last year,
expressed delight at the level of popularity Gov.
Ugwuanyi enjoys from the people of the state
including non-indigenes, disclosing that 95
percent of Muslims in the state are in support of
the governor and what he is doing to promote
peace, security, national unity and good
governance.
I also recall that the former Senate President
and Chairman of the Constitution and Electoral
Reform Committee, Senator Ken Nnamani, had
applauded the governor for his respect for
everybody irrespective of socio-political
differences, saying “that Enugu State is lucky to
now have a governor who has “a listening ear
and respect for everybody, old and young in
spite of political divide”.
In his Sallah message, Gov. Ugwuanyi “called
on the Muslim faithful to use the period to offer
special prayers for peaceful co-existence and
national unity for the continued progress and
sustainability of the dreams of the country’s
founding fathers”.
He noted that “Eid-el-Fitr offers an opportunity
for both Muslim and Christian faithful to
continue to live in harmony for the progress of
the country”, adding that the country’s strength
lies in its diversity and ability to overcome
challenges despite socio-political differences.
The governor’s message summarizes that
Nigerians should at all time demonstrate true
love for one another as well as reaffirm their
faith in God for peace, progress and unity to
reign supreme towards the realization of the
country’s full potentials.
It is also instructive to note that on the side of
the Muslims in the state, their Leader, HRH
Alhaji Yusuf Sambo, (the Sarkin Hausawa) while
welcoming Governor Ugwuanyi praised him for
the surprise visit after he had earlier sent gift
items to them through a representative.
Alhaji Sambo according to the report said that
the gesture was “a demonstration of his love for
every resident of the state irrespective of religion
or tribe”.
He added that the governor had paid similar
visit to them last year and has continued to
ensure that the harmonious relationship that has
been existing between Muslims and Christians in
the state is sustained.
The Muslims equally extended their gratitude to
the people of the state for the existing
harmonious relationship and promised to ensure
that it is sustained for the benefit of the state
and the country at large.
From the above fluid narrative, Gov. Ugwuanyi’s
name has been written in gold in the book of
history as one of the country’s nationalists, who
have shown tremendous commitment to the
unity and peaceful co-existence of Nigeria. I
hope that more leaders should emulate his deep
sense of patriotism to forge a common force
that will continue to promote peace, love,
progress and unity as one indivisible entity –
the noble dreams of our founding fathers.