The Chairman of Imo Council of Elders, Eze Cletus Ilomuanya, on Sunday said nothing should be done to compromise the unity of Nigeria.
Ilomuanya spoke in a statement made available to newsmen in Owerri, through his Chief Press Secretary, Kennedy Eweama, after a meeting with the Muslim leaders in Imo.
According to the statement, "Obi of Obinugwu kingdom in Orlu, Imo State and Chancellor, Federal University, Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, HRM, Eze (Dr) Cletus Ilomuanya, has reiterated the need for Nigerians of different religious faiths to continue living in peace by tolerating and respecting one. He pointed out that a peaceful atmosphere is a recipe for unity and love, stressing that nothing should be done to compromise the unity of Nigeria.
"Eze Ilomuanya, who is also the Chairman of both Imo State Council of Elders and Igbo Traditional Rulers Forum, gave this charge when he received in audience in his Palace Annex in Owerri, the Muslim Elders of Imo State, who came to express their gratitude to him for his unrelenting support and goodwill to the Muslim community in the State.
"The monarch noted with delight that the Muslim community in the State has remained law abiding, positing that the just concluded eid-el fitri was significant because it coincided with the Easter celebration by the Christians in the country. He described such occurrence as act of God, stressing that such should awaken Nigerians on the need to live harmoniously with one another.
"I thank God we have a united Nigeria. The last sallah was very significant because it coincided with the Easter celebration by the Christians. The significance is that we serve one God. Though as humans, disagreements abound, but we mustn't blow it out of proportion.
Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters
Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox
"He assured his visitors that Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, as a humane and hospitable leader, would always accommodate and protect the interests of the Muslim community in the State, restating that the Governor, as an advocate of peace and unity, means well for all religious creeds in the State. He further told them that his palace is always open to them at all times and that they should be free to call on him any time the need arises."
Earlier, the leader of the Muslim group and the Grand Imam of Igboland, HRH, Eze (Dr) A.F.C Emetumah, while commending Ilomuanya's leadership foresight and open mindedness, said: "We came to thank you and pay a sallah homage to Your Majesty. This year's fasting was divine because it coincided with our Christian brothers lenten period. It truly means that we are one."
