Owerri — GOVERNOR Ikedi Ohakim of Imo State has commended Muslims in the state for their peacefulness and industry in the development in the state.

Ohakim said this in an Eld-El-Kabir goodwill message to Muslims in the country. A statement, signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Henry Ekpe, the governor urged Muslims in the State, and Nigeria, to use the period of the celebration to reflect on various challenges facing the nation.

He said now is the time for all to be counted on his or her contributions to the development of Nigeria, especially now that the world is passing through economic meltdown and political test.

"This is a time for all of us to have a sober reflection, and think of what we can do for Nigeria, and not what Nigeria can do for us," he said.

While commending the peaceful co-existence between Muslims and Christians in the state and other religions, Ohakim said every Nigerian belongs to one God and, therefore, should pray for peace and unity in the country.

He said both Christianity and Islam represent peace and love and as such all Muslims in the country should use the period to pray for Allah to protect leaders of the nation.

Ohakim assured Muslims resident in Imo of adequate security of their lives and property. He also said a workshop would be soon organised for reorientation of herdsmen in the state, to avoid any clashes with their host communities in grazing their animals.

He asked them to buy into the "Clean and Green" programme of his administration by keeping their environment clean at all times.