*Says, ‘I wish you happiness and blessings today, now and always’
By BASHIR ADEFAKA
“I further urge the general public across all religious divides to continue to love and understand one another as this is the only way to build a great, united and indivisible nation.”
The amiable and exceptionally affectionate new President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (SAW), Most Rev. Dr. Daniel Okoh, on Sunday, transmitted what can best be described as ‘wonderful’ letter to leadership of the Nigerian Muslim Ummah and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, felicitating with him on the occasion of Eid-El-Maulud celebration 2022.
In the letter dated 9th October 2022, opened with salutation of ‘Peace be with you’ and personally signed by him, Rev. Okoh urged that general public across all religious divides continue to love and understand one another, pointing out that this is the only way to build a great, united and indivisible nation.
Speaking inclusively, he called for all to use the occasion to reflect on individual lives and pray for the peace and unity of the country they collectively own together, especially as the nation rides to the start of 2023 general elections.
Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, and CAN President Daniel Okoh are co-chairmen of the Nigerian Inter-Religious Council (NIREC).
Okoh’s letter to the Sultan read, “Peace be with you.
“The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) under my leadership and indeed all Christians across the nation, hereby felicitates with the Nigerian Islamic faithful most especially your humble self – the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Sultan Muhammadu Sa’adu Abubakar III, CFR, mni, on the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
“The Eid-El-Maulud is a very special day in the life of every Muslim on as it commemorates the birth of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and the third month of the Islamic calendar. It is on this occasion that I enjoin all Islamic faithful to adhere strictly to the teachings of the Holy Prophet Muhammed (SAW) which amongst other things include: love, patience, tolerance, peace and pious devotion.
“I further urge the general public across all religious divides to continue to love and understand one another as this is the only way to build a great, united and indivisible nation.
“Let us use this occasion to reflect on our individual lives and pray for the peace and unity of our beloved country as we approach the 2023 General Elections. May the Almighty God accept our good deeds, forgive our transgressions and ease the burdens of all faithful.
“On this joyful occasion of Prophet Muhammad’s (SAW) birthday, I wish you happiness and blessings today, now and always. Amen.
“Happy Eid-El-Maulud,” Most Rev. Dr. Daniel Okoh, President, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), said in the letter.
Apparently set out to return Christians to base, where, according to Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said “Christians are nearer to Muslims in faith” and ordered the Islamic World Armed Forces to help them (Roman Empire) against their enemies (Persian Empire) of the old, Rev. Okoh is about the first CAN President in 23 years that has come to engender peace, mutual love and understanding between Muslims and Christians that Nigeria may concentrate on path to unity, security, progress and true development.
One of the ways he has done this is to transmit a letter founded on the threshold of love and mutual understanding as done with the Sunday letter he wrote to the Sultan of Sokoto and Leader of the Nigerian Muslims, The DEFENDER reports.
