The Guardian (Nigeria)

At Eid- ul- Mawlid, Wike, Okowa, Obaseki, Oba of Benin preach tolerance, unity, others

- From Ann Godwin ( Port Harcourt) and Michael Egbejule ( Benin City) and Monday Osayande ( Asaba)

RIVERS State Governor Nyesom Wike, his Delta counterpar­t, Ifeanyi Okowa, and the Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, yesterday, charged Muslims on tolerance, prayers, unity and peaceful coexistenc­e.

In a statement issued by his Special Assistant ( Media), Kelvin Ebiri, to mark this year’s Eid- ulMawlid ( the birthday of Prophet Mohammed), the governor said his administra­tion will continue to promote religious tolerance among all residents of the state.

He advised the faithful to imbibe the virtues of love, peace, patience, communal living and honesty that were qualities of the Prophet.

Wike urged the Moslem community to always pray for the government and people of the state.

Okowa, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Olisa Ifeajika, in Asaba, urged Muslims to follow the exemplary leadership of the Prophet by promoting peaceful co- existence and offering prayers for the peace, unity and continued progress of Nigeria.

The governor recalled that the most populous black nation was experienci­ng insurgency and other violent crimes, including banditry, kidnapping, armed robbery, herders- farmers clashes and agitations which had impeded growth and developmen­t.

SIMILARLY, Governor Godwin Obaseki harped on tolerance and peaceful co- existence.

He stated that the celebratio­n was a time of deep reflection and soul- searching, especially with the “challenges we currently face as a nation.”

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