By Balimwor Ekpe
The Cross River State Governor, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu has called for Peaceful coexistence, religious tolerance and prayers for a more united Nigeria as Muslim Ummah begins the annual Ramadan Fasting.
Otu said only a peaceful country where everyone lives without fear and suspicion will engender desired growth and development The Governor urged the Muslim Ummah to use the period of Ramadan to pray fervently against insecurity and economic hardship facing the country, assuring that his government is doing everything possible to provide good governance with multiple opportunities to the citizenry.
He further stated that his “Peoples First Agenda” was beginning to change the face of Cross River State inline With his manifestos, asking that all hands must be on deck to collectively develop the state irrespective of religion, tribes and ethnic differences. “On Behalf of the Government and People of Cross River State, | congratulate them on the commencement of Ramadan fast which Is one of the five pillars of islam. “In my tradition even before becoming your governor, | will be looking forward to breaking the fast with you and join in this annual spiritual exercise.
“| want you to continue to be prayerful and law abiding citizens as we look forward to fulfilling sequentially all the promises made to the Muslim Community as an integral part of Cross River Citizens” he said.
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Muslim calendar, is one of the most sacred times where adherents observe a strict fast from dawn till sunset as an act of worship that brings about nearness to Allah, as well as a form of spiritual discipline.
