The Chief Imam of Enugu State, Saeed Zulqarnaini, has called on Nigerians to eschew bitterness but strive to improve existing unity and peace in the country.

Mr Zulqarnaini made the call while addressing reporters after the Eid-el-Fitr prayers at the Islamic Centre Prayer Ground in Uwani, Enugu on Friday.

He said that the country and the people were closely related by both common humanity and historical ties.

 “There is a need to build on those things that unite us rather than those that divide us,” he said.

According to him, the central message of Ramadan is that of love. Almighty Allah has continued to share His abundant love to mankind.

“As Ramadan has taught us, we must love as commanded by Almighty Allah. Again, we must do all to be at peace with others, as Islam is a religion and way of life of peace.

“As Nigerians we must respect and obey constituted authorities and ensure we show patriotism to work for the growth and progress of the country,” he said.

The chief imam also urged Muslim faithful to continue with all the teachings and positive way of life they imbibed during the Ramadan.

After the Eid prayers, the Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, Ahmed Ammani, called on Nigerians to exhibit the spirit of fairness and accommodation towards one another.

Mr Ammani said, “There is little we can do where there is no spirit of tolerance and forgiveness among us.

“We are bound by one humanity and the Holy Books teach that we must be our brothers’ keepers and display love and charity in our daily dealings with one another.”

In a message to the Muslim Ummah, the Sarkin Hausawa of Enugu State, Yusuf Sambo, called on Nigerians to work for a peaceful and rancour-free transition from one civilian administration to another.

Mr Sambo noted that individuals, groups or the entire society would achieve little “if there is no peace and oneness in the country”.

He said, “As we have learnt during the Ramadan, love and good neighbourliness is the key for a progressive and successful society.

“As leaders, which most of us are in one sphere of life or the other, we must exhibit good examples. Learn to carry others along and exercise restraint in all we do in order to tolerate and accommodate others.”

The sarkin hausawa commended Muslim Ummah for the feat of completion of the Ramadan fast as well as their prayers made for the peace, progress and oneness of the country.

The Eid-el-Fitr prayer was attended by thousands of Muslim faithful living within Enugu metropolis. 

(NAN)