Enugu Governor-elect promises religious harmony, inclusion

The Enugu State Governor-elect, Dr. Peter Mbah, has felicitated Muslim faithful across the state, Nigeria and the world at large over this year’s Eid-el-Fitr celebration marking the end of the month-long Holy Ramadan.

Mbah, who urged the Muslim Ummah to continue to sustain the spirit of Ramadan, which encapsulates peace, love, unity, progress, neighbourliness, development and nation-building, promised that his administration would run governance of inclusiveness, encourage religious harmony and forge a common front for the wellness of the society.

In a statement made available yesterday by the Head, Peter Mbah Media Office, Dan Nwomeh, the Governor-elect further assured that the peace and security of the citizens irrespective of religious leaning would be his administration’s priority. 

He stressed that the Muslim Ummah, and indeed, all Nigerians should learn some good lessons from the just concluded Ramadan by being their brothers and neighbours’ keepers, adding that Christians, Muslims and others have been co-existing harmoniously in the state, which would be consolidated when he assumes office in May.

He added: “Let me thank the Almighty Allah (SWT), the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful, for the successful completion of this year’s Holy Month of Ramadan by our Muslim brothers and sisters in Enugu State, Nigeria and the globe. 

“This year’s Ramadan has ushered in peace, unity and progress symbolising the beginning of a new journey of greatness in the annals of our state and country. It has its spiritual significance, which all Muslim Ummah must not abandon in the course of this celebration. The Holy Ramadan has taught us unconditional love for our family, neighbours and our society. It has taught us that peace costs nothing but remains priceless. It has given clues on how to live in harmony with people around us.

“Our dear Enugu State, unarguably, remains the most peaceful state in terms of religious tolerance and freedom of worship. We intend to build on this strong pillar of peace in our incoming administration to ensure religious inclusiveness across board. 

“As we mark this year’s Eid-el-Fitr, I urge Nigerians to continue to pray for enduring peace in our state and country in general, see government and governance as a collective responsibility, assist our security agencies in preventing crimes by reporting unusual and strange activities in our neighbourhoods, and join hands in the ongoing nation-building.”

He also reassured Enugu residents of his desire to transform the state through industrialisation, robust development policies and projects that would lift the citizens out of the pit of poverty, provide jobs for youths, empower the vulnerable and promote gender inclusiveness.