…As gov pledges religious harmony
- By Demola Atobaba, Ado-Ekiti
The Muslim Community in Ekiti State, has declared support for the second term bid of Governor Biodun Oyebanji, as a payback for the governor’s superlative performance and entrenchment of the culture of religious harmony in the state.
The adherents of Islamic faith, gave the support in Ado-Ekiti, on Monday through the President General, League of Imams and Alfas, Southwest, Edo and Delta States, Sheikh Jamiu Kewulere Bello, at an event commemorating the 2024 edition of Maulud Nabiyy, which symbolizes the birth of Prophet Muhammad(SAW).
The event, held at the Pavilion, Fajuyi Park, in Ado Ekiti, the State capital, was attended by the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye ( who represented the Governor), and other high profile Muslim scholars across the state and Nigeria.
Speaking at the event, Sheikh Bello, saluted Oyebanji for revving up the pedal of development in the last two years, commending him for treating the Muslims as respectable stakeholders in governance and in scheme of things.
“When it comes to appointments, Governor Oyebanji has done marvelously well for Muslims, but we are still asking for more. I still have competent and well behaved Muslims that can be accommodated. I appreciate the governor for this.
“Last year, we witnessed flooding in our Mosque in Ado Ekiti. I told the Governor about the incidence and the place had been channelised now. This is a project that the entire Muslims can’t complete in 10 years.
“Without exaggeration, Governor Oyebanji had done well for us and we are going to reward him with votes and we are telling him today that we are solidly behind his reelection bid”, he said.
Addressing the gathering, Governor Oyebanji ( who was represented by the Deputy Governor), assured that his government will continually operate an open door policy in dealing with religious affairs in order to ensure equality and fairness among religious bodies.
Oyebanji, who praised religious leaders in the state, reiterated the imperative of unity and oneness among leaders of religions, warning that the state has nothing to gain under the atmosphere of unrest and intolerance.
He appreciated the Islamic leaders for their support and prayers that have helped in ensuring peaceful co-existence among the citizens and attainment of progressive development in the State.
Oyebanji saluted Sheikh Bello and the Muslim community for their prayers that served as impetus and springboard for the success of his administration across all spheres of the economy.
“It is the desire of our government to foster peace among all the religions in the state. This is very important because no meaningful development can take place under the atmosphere of religious unrests, crisis and intolerance.
“Therefore, I plead with you, let us continue to tolerate one another and have the strong belief that we are all serving only one Almighty God, using different doctrines and injunctions.
“This we will do without fear or favour, because we need and depend on the prayers of both Christians and Muslims to sustain the tempo of progress and peace that we are witnessing in our state”.
Oyebanji pleaded with Muslim community to continually contribute to the sustenance of peace being savoured under his leadership, so that he can leave Ekiti people better than he met them after his tenure.
“I wish to remind us that the Holy Prophet is being celebrated today because he symbolizes tolerance, sacrificial giving, honesty, peace, generosity and Godly lifestyle. These were the virtues he exhibited in his service to Allah.
“I charge you all to emulate these virtues, so that we can collectively build Ekiti State that will be united and prosperous for our generation and the ones yet unborn”.
