By Ojotule Romanus
Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has made a passionate appeal to religious leaders across the state to take a strategic and leading role in fostering peace and unity.
This is even as he has tasked them on promoting ethical standards most especially among the political class.
The governor made the appeal when he received religious leaders, comprising of the Kogi State chapters of the Christian Assassination of Nigeria ( CAN) and Jama’atu Nasril Islam( JNI) at Government House, Lokoja recently.
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Governor Ododo commended them for maintaining peaceful coexistence among themselves emphasising that the clergy are also critical stakeholders occupying position of moral authority which he said are vital for the stability of the state.
In line with this, he urged them to remain steadfast in their prayers, noting that sustained prayers were essential to maintaining peace and unity that the current administration strives to uphold.
“The role of our religious leaders in nation-building cannot be overstated. Beyond your prayers for the continued peace and unity of our state, I also call upon you to serve as moral guidance for those of us in the political arena. Your guidance, counsel, and constructive critiques are necessary to ensure that our governance remains rooted in integrity and focused on the welfare of the people.” The Governor pointed out.
Governor Ododo pointed out that where spiritual guidance complements administrative efforts, it would go a long way in building a prosperous and stable environment for the citizens and as such, he said his administration sees them as critical stakeholders in building a united and peaceful Kogi State.
He urged them to continue preaching moral standards in their various places of worship stressing when politicians are held accountable to the high moral standards often preached in houses of worship, the dividends of democracy were more likely to reach the grassroots.
The Governor further reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to creating an inclusive environment where all religious groups can thrive in harmony.
He reiterated that his government would continue to implement policies that discourage division, urging the religious leaders to preach the message of collective responsibility and peaceful coexistence among their congregations.
Ododo also acknowledged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his sacrifice and supportive policies and commitment to sub national government ,just as he pointed out that the Federal Government’s support has strengthen the capacity of states to deliver more dividends of democracy and tackle insecurity challenges across the country.
The Governor assured of his administration is commitment to strengthen ties with traditional and religious institutions so as to bring about the much needed socio-economic development.
In their separate addresses, the state Chairman of the Christians Association of Nigeria (CAN), Emmanuel Adebayo and it’s counterpart of the Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), Ambassador Usman Bello, expressed their willingness to support the government’s initiatives, pledging to continue promoting messages of Peace and unity across the state.
While advising political officeholders on embrace the path of selfless service, they appealed to the governor to revive the umbrella body.of all religions bodies and strengthen it’s role in promoting religious harmony and peaceful coexistence accros the state.
