*Assures On Peaceful Co-existence
Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, on Wednesday, in the spirit of the Eid-el-Fitr celebration, hosted members of the Muslim community in the state at the Government House, Yenagoa.
Governor Diri, who was joined at the lunch feast by Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere, member representing Yenagoa Constituency One, Mrs. Ayibanegiyefa Egba, Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Nimibofa Ayawei, the Chief of Staff, Government House, Dr. Peter Akpe, his deputy, Mr. Irorodamie, Komonibo and other government functionaries, congratulated the Muslim faithful on the successful conclusion of the Ramadan fast.
While assuring them of his administration’s commitment to promoting peaceful co-existence and religious harmony in the state, he commended the Muslims for supporting his re-election and for being law-abiding.
He said his government will initiate inter-faith dialogue in its bid to promote religious harmony in the state and will equally provide the right atmosphere for their businesses to thrive as long as they are legitimate.
He said: “It is actually a thing of joy to gather to have lunch after the period you put in for spiritual purification in the last one month.
“I thank the Muslim community for their support during last November governorship election. It is an indication that you are part of the government and we will continue to create the right atmosphere for peaceful co-existence and for your businesses to thrive, so far they are legitimate.”
He promised to redeem his pledge of providing a bus for the community as well as appointing their members into government.
Earlier, chairman of the state chapter of the National Council for Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Yakubu Otobo, stated that the significance of the Ramadan was basically to appreciate God for sustaining them during the fast.
Alhaji Otobo thanked Governor Diri for his administration’s support to the Muslim community in the state and pledged their continued cooperation with the government.
Daniel Alabrah
Chief Press Secretary to the Bayelsa State Governor
