LAGOS OCTOBER 20TH (URHOBOTODAY)-The Muslims in Delta state has been advised to live in peace and harmony with each other by the state government.
The call was made on Monday, October 19, 2015 during a meeting between the Executive Assistant to the governor of Delta state on Religious Matters, Bishop Greatman Nmalagu and some Muslim leaders from the three senatorial district of the state.
Addressing the meeting, the aide to the governor, said that where people exists, there is bound to be disagreement, but such disagreement should not be allowed to the breakdown of law and other in the society.
“On behalf of the Governor of Delta state, if there is disagreement among you, please settle it, this should not be allowed to breakdown of law and other”. He said.
Speaking further, he told the leaders that Islam is reputed to be a religion of peace, and for that peace to be witnessed in the society, they should use their offices as Islamic leaders to first preach peace to their members especially their youths.
“Islam is not a religion of war, fighting, or quarrel but, of peace”.
Bishop Nmalagu, reminded the Muslims that the “Prosperity Agenda for All Deltans”, is not for only Deltans, but also for non Deltans, including the Muslims, leaving in the state.
On the activities of the Fulani herdsmen in the state, the leaders were reminded of the state governments initial appeal during the Salah celebration for the herdsmen to respect the lives and economic products of their host communities, and stop the destruction of such crops which are means of livelihood of the people and the killing of their hosts, and for this message to be directed to the herdsmen, he told them that a meeting with them will take place on Monday, 26 October, 2015.
Reacting, leaders of the Muslim community in the state, led by Alhaji Mustapha Mohammed, thanked the government for conveying the meeting, and used the opportunity to thank the state governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa for the love and magnanimity shown the Muslims, saying that for the first time since the inception of democratic rule in the state, this is the first time the government had given special attention to the Muslims, and promised that they are ready to work with the present government to ensure peace, and even development in the state, and to achieve its agenda, of “Prosperity for all Deltans”.
Those present in the meeting were, Rev. Dr. Ben Golley, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Religious Matters, other staff of the Religious Department, the Imam of Asaba Central Mosque, the Imam of Ughelli Central Mosque, the Imam of Warri Central Mosque, the Saraki of Ughelli Central Mosque, and other Muslim leaders in the state.