Monday Okpebholo, the governor of Edo State, has reassured Muslims that his administration will keep advancing laws and initiatives that will promote harmony and peace between people of different religious backgrounds.
When he hosted the Muslim faithful in Government House, Benin City, to honor Governor Sallah on this year’s Eid-el-Fitr celebration, Okpebholo made the statements.
“As a government that promotes peace, I have given marching orders to security agencies to identify and arrest perpetrators of the killing of travelers in Uromi a few days ago,” the governor, represented by his deputy, Mr. Dennis Idahosa, added.
Assuring that Edo will remain a thriving location for investors and investments, Okpebholo urged the state’s Muslim faithful to keep praying for peace and progress.
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.
Alhaji Abdulfatir Enabulele, the Chief Imam of the Benin Central Mosque, had earlier in his Sallah speech praised Governor Okpebholo’s practical approach to administration and his prompt action to prevent the Uromi crisis from getting worse.
“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 Governor’s positive connection with the Muslim community was also praised by the Chief Imam. He pointed out that this is the first time since the beginning of this democracy that senior government representatives are joining them in worship at the Eid venue.
“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,” he said.
