The Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Dakuku Peterside says all Nigerians must be ready to make sacrifices as a way of promoting love and togetherness towards nation building.

Speaking on the significance of Sallah when Muslim faithful visited him in Port Harcourt as part of events to mark this year’s Eid-el-Kabir, Peterside said that the auspicious occasion was one that emphasised sacrifice as demonstrated by Prophet Ibrahim’s obedience to Allah’s command.

According to him, “there is no tribalism, there is no ethnicity when serving Allah. Eid-el-Kabir represents the season of love and sacrifice. There is no politics, no enemy. We must not allow the significance of this occasion to be lost on us.”

He called on his guests to pray to Allah to intervene in the security challenges facing the state, adding that such situation existed in the Quran but through prayers, it was appropriately handled.

“What we are passing through in Rivers State happened in the Quran. Allah will intervene in Rivers State. Rivers is your rightful home; you cannot leave it for another state. You will have Rivers of your dream where you can sleep with your both eyes closed.

“We will work together for the Rivers of our dream so Allah can bless our efforts. We are one people; nothing makes us different. All divisions are artificial. Live with your neighbour in unity. Almighty Allah is about to do something big in Rivers state,” he stated.

Peterside also brought felicitations from the All Progressives Congress (APC) leader in the state and Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Amaechi who he said had enormous affection for Muslim faithful in the state.

He boss commended Nigerians for praying for the quick recovery of President Muhammadu Buhari, who he said had since returned to the country with renewed vigour and necessary sacrifices to make Nigeria great.

Earlier, the leader of the delegation, Alhaji Muhammed Ali Kwande was full appreciation to the NIMASA DG for acceding to their request to visit him, pointing out that he had been a long-standing friend of his (Peterside’s) father.

“I know him. He grew up in my hands. I know his father. He is exactly like his father, and he is from a good family. He is good everywhere he goes, and we can see what he is doing at the moment.

“We are happy to share this occasion with you, to celebrate Sallah with you. You have taken us as one big family, and that is why we are here in large numbers. We love you, and that is why we are here,” he stressed.