Maduako Igbokwe I Monday, March 31, 2025
ONITSHA, Anambra – The Kabiyesi of the Yoruba in Onitsha, Anambra State, Alhaji Abraham Zubairu, who also serves as the Chairman of the State Muslim Council, has called on the Muslim community in the state to promote peace and work toward the re-election of Governor Prof. Chukwuma Soludo in the upcoming November 8, 2025, governorship election.
Zubairu made this statement on Monday in Onitsha while addressing members of the Muslim community at the Eid prayer ground as part of the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations.
He said that since Soludo assumed office as governor of Anambra State, the Muslim community has witnessed several qualities of a dynamic leader, with one of the most notable being “peaceful co-existence” between the Muslim community, the indigenous population, and the government.
“The state has seen significant road construction and other infrastructural developments since Prof. Chukwuma Soludo became governor. As a result, the Muslim community is committed to re-electing him to continue his good works in the state. I pray for the prosperity of Anambra State,
“We take this opportunity during the Eid-el-Fitr celebration to pray for God’s protection over the governor and for continued wisdom as he leads the state. We also pray for the people of Anambra for ongoing prosperity and peaceful coexistence.”
“For all Muslim faithful, we thank God for allowing us to witness this year’s Sallah, and we pray that this celebration marks the beginning of many more to come.”Zubairu said.
Earlier, the Chief Imam of the Yoruba Central Mosque in Onitsha, Alhaji Shuaibu Eletu, spoke after the prayer marking the end of Ramadan at Zik’s Avenue Primary School in Onitsha South Local Government Area explained the purpose of this prayer, noting that it is to thank Almighty Allah for the completion of one month of fasting.
“Islam means peace, and anyone practicing Islam is a Muslim. A Muslim is someone who practices peace and is obligated to maintain peace with their neighbors, regardless of religion, and live in harmony with others.”
“Any Muslim who engages in violence and claims to be a Muslim is misrepresenting the true essence of Islam.”he stated.
Regarding the relationship between the Muslim community and the state government, the Imam praised Governor Soludo, calling him “a God-sent leader to Anambra.”
He noted that the Muslim community has long existed in the state and had never encountered a leader like Soludo.
“Soludo has implemented visible improvements, such as installing street lights, constructing roads in previously neglected areas, clearing drainages for proper water flow, and demolishing buildings obstructing waterways. These are notable achievements,” the Imam said.
He further highlighted the positive relationship between the state government and the Muslim community, noting that while Muslim leaders in the past had never been invited to the Government House, Soludo consistently invites Muslims from various regions of the state, including Nnewi, Awka, and Onitsha zones, to the Government House during Sallah celebrations, offering them a warm reception.
After the prayers, the Imam urged the congregation to draw closer to God and seek His guidance, advising them to avoid sin and to love one another as they love themselves.
The Chairman of the Yoruba Community in Onitsha, Alhaji Maloof Abiodun, also expressed his support for the peaceful nature of Anambra, describing the people as “accommodating and loving.” He added, “I have been in Onitsha for 32 years, and I am a landlord here. If the people were not welcoming, I wouldn’t have built a house here. My children were born and raised here, and I truly enjoy living among them.”
Also speaking, the Balogun Adini of Onitsha, Alhaji Muhammadu Muritala Jagumoju, who has lived in Onitsha since 1972, expressed his gratitude for the successful completion of Ramadan. He prayed for Allah’s continued guidance and protection.
“I came from Ogbaru Local Government Area to worship with my fellow Muslims here. The security situation in the state has greatly improved, and we thank Governor Soludo for the security we are now experiencing in Ogbaru. We urge him to continue his good work, as we can now move freely,” he stated.
The Hausa community in Onitsha also held their prayers at Godwin Achebe Stadium in Onitsha South Local Government Area to mark the end of the Ramadan fast.
