Okpebholo assures Muslims of peaceful coexistence in Edo

The Edo State governor, Monday Okpebholo, has assured Muslims that his administration will continue to promote policies and programmes that will foster peace and unity among people of all faiths.

Okpebholo made the remarks when he played host to the Muslim faithful who were in Government House, Benin City, to pay the Governor Sallah Homage on this year’s Eid-el-Fitr celebration.

The governor, represented by his Deputy, Mr. Dennis Idahosa, explained that as a government that promotes peace, he has given marching orders to security agencies to identify and arrest perpetrators of the killing of travellers in Uromi a few days ago.

Okpebholo called on the Muslim faithful in the state to continue to pray for peace and development, assuring that Edo will continue to be a fertile ground for investors and investments to thrive.

The governor tasked them to continue to imbibe the lessons learnt during the Ramadan period, insisting that the country can only grow and develop when citizens remain peaceful, kind and patient to their fellow citizens, respect constituted authority, pray for their leaders and do what is always right.

“Edo is a peaceful state and will remain a peaceful state. We will continue to implement policies that will promote peaceful coexistence among everyone who lives in or does business in Edo state.

“The security agencies have already made some arrests, and they have been given marching orders to ensure all suspects in the barbaric act in Uromi are all brought to face the law,” he said.

Earlier in his Sallah message, the Chief Imam of the Benin Central Mosque, Alhaji Abdulfatir Enabulele, commended the pragmatic approach Governor Okpebholo has brought to governance and the swift response he gave to the Uromi incident to ensure it did not escalate.

“This is not who we are in Edo. You can testify that among our visitors, those from the North have a very high number, and they have all enjoyed peace in their host communities across the state.

“What happens in Uromi is condemnable, and we condemn it. I would like to appreciate the governor for the swift way he handled the matter to ensure it did not escalate.

“That shows a man who means well for his people and his state. I urge the Muslims to continue to pray that your administration succeeds. We must also pray that Almighty Allah will not allow such a thing to happen again in Edo state or any part of the country,” he said.

The Chief Imam also commended the Governor for the good relationship he has maintained with the Muslim community. He noted that it is the first time high-ranking government officials are worshipping with them at the Eid ground since the start of this democracy.

“Seeing the SSG and chief of staff today was a thing of joy. It means the Governor recognises us. We have also seen improvement in the palliative we used to receive during Ramadan, and we want to say thank you, Mr Governor.

“We cannot also say we are not seeing your works across the state within the 140 days you have spent in office. They say caterpillars are dancing everywhere, and we can see them. Well done, your excellency.”

“The Sallah homage had top government officials, including the Secretary to State government, Musa Ikhilor; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mallam Gani Audu; among others in attendance,” she said.