The Wife of Benue Governor, Mrs Eunice Ortom, has urged Muslims in the state to continue to promote peaceful co-existence as they join their counterparts worldwide to celebrate the Eid-el-Kabir.
The governor’s wife, in a Sallah message on Tuesday in Makurdi, appealed to Muslims to continue to uphold their obedience to Allah in the spirit of forgiveness and love for one another.
She described Islam as a religion that upholds the spirit of love, peace, charity and preach harmonious relationship with other religions.
“I felicitate with Nigerians, particularly the Muslim faithful in Benue State as they mark the Islamic festival of Eid-el-Kabir.
“I urge them to sustain prayers to Almighty God for the nation and the state in particular, to get out of the prevailing security and other challenges facing the country,” she said.
The governor’s wife advised Muslims not to see the festival as a holiday but as a period of sober reflection on our collective resolve to live together in spite of everyone’s differences.
The state’s first lady urged the faithful and indeed Nigerians to remain committed to sustainable peace, love and tolerance of one another in spite of religious, cultural and political differences.
“I charge leaders of the faithful to preach on the need for a moderate celebration, devoid of breach of peace.
“I laud the people of Benue for their resilience, understanding and collective prayers for the administration of my husband as well as their resolve to stand by him,” she said.
She assured the people of Benue that her NGO – Eunice Spring of Life Foundation – would continue to complement the administration’s efforts by providing a fair deal for women.
The governor’s wife said that the youth and all groups would be aided in order to realise the objectives of the three thematic focus in the areas of Health, Education and Empowerment with bias in Agriculture.
She urged all stakeholders to preach peace and understanding among their followers as the country moves closer to the general elections in 2019.
“We pray for a contest that is devoid of bickering and acrimony.
“I wish all a peaceful Eid-el-Kabir celebration,’’ she said. (NAN)