Gov. Tanko Al-Makura of Nasarawa State has appealed to political and religious leaders to use religion as a tool to foster unity, peace and harmonious co-existence among Nigerians.
Al-Makura made the appeal on Saturday at the funeral service for the late Osana of Keana, Sen. Emmanuel Elayo, at St. John Catholic Church, Keana, headquarters of Keana Local Government Area.
“The two major religions in Nigeria, Islam and Christianity, preach peace, as such, leaders of both religion should join hands to foster the unity of Nigerians.
“Both Islam and Christianity abhor violence, as such their adherents should practice their teachings.
“ Peace is a veritable tool for any nation to move forward, so, our leaders should strive to preach it at all times,’’ Al-Makura said.
The governor described the late monarch as an embodiment of economic entrepreneurship.
“Late Osana of Keana was a bridge builder; I will for long miss his wise counsels, his achievements in ensuring peaceful co-existence and contributions to the development of the state.
“Barely a week to his death on 6th May, the monarch admonished me saying: “As your father, I advise you to be resolute, firm, consistent and with these attributes you will succeed.
“Do not to expect praises because you can never get them. If you base your efforts on acknowledgements and commendations, you will never achieves success,” he added.
Also speaking, Gov. Samuel Ortom of Benue recalled that the late Elayo devoted his time and resources toward ensuring inter-ethnic, cross-border and inter-communal peace and harmony.
He also recalled that a few weeks to his demise, the late monarch urged him to work in synergy with his colleagues in the collective interest of the North-Central Zone.
“Elayo, who died at the age of 84 years, contributed to the development of Benue, Plateau and Nasarawa states at various times in various capacities,’’ Ortom said.
Dignitaries at the occasion included Sen. George Akume, Mr Fidelis Tapgun and retired Gen. Lawrence Onoja.
Others were Sen. Solomon Ewuga, Mr Labaran Maku, Mr Mike Omeri as well as traditional rulers from Nasarawa, Benue and Plateau.
The late paramount ruler was laid to rest at the Amiri Royal Cemetery amidst tributes from eminent Nigerians who attended the occasion.